The Czech government and trade unions are due to resume talks on public sector pay rises for next year on Monday. The government has proposed increasing basic salaries by five to nine percent, depending on the profession, but unions want further negotiations.
Around 858,000 people work in the public and state sectors in Czechia. According to the Labour Ministry, 263,000 currently earn less than the guaranteed pay level or minimum wage. Without changes, that number would rise to 468,000 next year.
The minimum monthly wage is set to rise from CZK 22,400 to CZK 24,900 in January. The government says no public sector pay tariff should fall below the relevant minimum or guaranteed pay level.