Trade unions rally in Ostrava in support of European industry

Hundreds of trade unionists gathered in Ostrava on Thursday to demonstrate in support of European industry and job protection. The rally was held beneath the former blast furnace at the Dolní Vítkovice complex as part of the European Action Day organised by the IndustriAll Europe trade union federation.

The unions are calling for a review of the EU emissions allowance system, the protection of jobs, limits on cheap imports and stronger support for the competitiveness of Czech industry. Trade unionists from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary joined Czech workers at the demonstration.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) addressed the rally shortly after it began, sharply criticising current European regulations. He told the crowd he would do everything possible to protect Czech and European industry, prompting an enthusiastic response from those gathered.