In a significant development, more than half of the 270,000 members of the Bohemian-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (CMKOS) are set to participate in a strike against the government’s budgetary measures on Monday, November 27, according to CMKOS chairman Josef Stredula. The CMKOS, an umbrella organization comprising 31 trade unions, will see members from a dozen unions joining the strike, including those from the transport sector, potentially causing disruptions in southern Bohemia from midnight to noon during the strike.

Originally planned with the participation of four unions—education sector employees, white-collar workers, woodworkers, and the largest KOVO union—the strike has expanded with unions representing transport, health care, culture workers, librarians, food processing industry employees, and university workers now joining the protest.

Stredula emphasized that the number of members directly involved in the strike is well above 50% of the CMKOS membership, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s policies. The consolidation package, the proposed increase in the retirement age, high energy prices, stagnant public sector salaries, and the impact of inflation have been key points of contention for trade unionists.

The Association of Independent Trade Unions (ASO), representing about 110,000 trade unionists, including influential railway sector and medical doctors’ unions, has expressed support for the strike. The Skoda Auto car maker’s trade union also intends to join the protest.

Stredula highlighted that the government had ample time to seek a deal, but with the strike imminent, union leaders see no way to avert the protests. In addition to the strike, the unions are planning a protest march and demonstration in Prague on Monday, starting at the Rudolfinum concert hall and culminating in a rally at Malostranské náměstí near the houses of parliament. This demonstration will provide an opportunity for union leaders to present their statements and potential demands. The widespread participation underscores the unity and determination of trade unions in expressing their grievances against government policies.

Article by Prague Forum