“We are ready to demonstrate for months”: police union pushes for raises
Trade unionists are currently negotiating an increase in the salaries of law enforcement, other security forces, and firefighters with the Interior Ministry. The workers' representatives are calling for a 10% wage increase starting in October, otherwise, they will consider protesting.
In recent years, workers have faced a significant decline in real income due to rising inflation and stagnant wages. The drop in real income, calculated to be close to 20%, has particularly affected those in essential sectors, such as law enforcement and other security forces.
Tomáš Machovič, head of the independent police union, commented on how difficult the life of police officers is right now:
“It's very challenging because, of course, we have a lot of police officers who work not only in smaller towns but also in metropolitan areas. And they have to commute because the cost of living in the localities where they work is higher. Therefore, officers are considering whether to continue in the security forces at all.”
As a result, Mr. Machovič said that they are ready to protest for longer periods of time:
“Primarily it's about agreement and finding a possible solution so that we and the government are satisfied. We are ready not only to demonstrate once, but also to launch long-term protests. This means days, weeks, maybe even months in front of ministries or even the Government Office.”
Prime Minister Petr Fiala has acknowledged the need for a salary increase but has suggested that it be implemented next year due to current budgetary constraints. However, workers are insisting on the October deadline, arguing that waiting until next year will only exacerbate the financial difficulties they are already facing. They emphasize that the 10% increase is crucial not just for officers, but also for all employees within the security forces.
When asked about the recruitment of new police officers and prison guards, Mr. Machovič highlighted the challenges in attracting new talent due to the uncompetitive starting salaries:
“That is the fundamental problem. The starting salary of a member of the security forces, whether he or she is a police officer, a firefighter, or a member of the prison service, is about CZK 30,000 gross. Of course, there are some basic benefits, some regional directorates or prisons offer a recruitment allowance. But this is not competitive with other forces such as the municipal police or the army. The competitiveness in recruitment is really tiny.
“Someone who wants to join the security forces and passes through the selection process may be able to make it, but they would have to live with their parents, for example. He is no longer able to pay for housing, utilities, etc. You really can't live on CZK 30,000 gross in metropolitan areas or larger cities unless you live with your parents. So that's a big problem.”
Mr. Machovič said that an adequate starting salary for police officers, prison guards, and firefighters should be up to CZK 50,000 gross per month.
