Trade unions threaten strike over controversial dismissal proposal

The Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions, Czechia’s biggest trade union umbrella organisation, is prepared to go on a general strike if lawmakers pass a controversial proposal allowing employers to dismiss workers without cause. The confederation chairman, Josef Středula, called the plan undemocratic and said it was undermining modern labour standards.

The proposal, supported by the ruling Civic Democrats and TOP 09, aims to add flexibility to the Labour Code. While some employers back it, opposition parties, trade unions, and some coalition members oppose it, arguing that it threatens worker rights.

Dismissed employees would receive severance pay of two to six months' wages, but exceptions would apply to pregnant workers, those on leave, disabled employees, and those close to retirement.

Author: Ruth Fraňková