Unionized healthcare workers, civil servants, and employees of the prominent Czech company Škoda Auto are set to stage protests against the government, adding to a growing wave of discontent that includes hundreds of industrial companies and school personnel. The cumulative number of protestors is expected to reach hundreds of thousands, marking a substantial demonstration against the policies of the government led by Petr Fiala (ODS).

The planned strikes come in response to escalating pressure from unions and follow previous demonstrations expressing dissatisfaction with government actions. Healthcare workers from several hospitals, including the General University Hospital, Bulovka, and the Vinohrady Hospital in Prague, have confirmed their participation. Strikes are anticipated in various regions, including Jihlava, South Bohemia, South Moravia, and Pardubice, with a special event organized by a hospital in Tábor. Notably, acute care services are expected to operate normally, minimizing the impact on immediate patient care.

Dagmar Žitníková, chairwoman of the health unions, highlighted the involvement of key healthcare institutions in the strike. Meanwhile, Pavel Bednář, chairman of the Union of State Bodies and Organizations, revealed that civil servants are also gearing up for strikes. Some offices plan one-hour strikes, while others may engage in a full-day strike. It’s worth noting that public service counters may remain open, as the participation of staff in the strike can vary at each location.

The focus of the strike is not directed against employers but against government measures, including a consolidation package and pension reform. The discontent reflects broader concerns about the impact of these policies on workers and public services. As tensions rise, these strikes represent a significant collective effort to voice dissent and advocate for the rights and interests of the working population in the Czech Republic. The sheer scale of the planned protests signals a unified stance against government actions and a call for reconsideration of the proposed measures.

Article by Prague Forum