50,000 demonstrate in Prague against cuts and labour reforms

(25 May 2011) Members from EPSU affiliates in the Czech Republic joined thousands of other workers in Prague on Saturday 21 May to demonstrate against cuts, pension and labour reforms. The protest was called by the CMKOS trade union confederation but also supported by independent unions and civil society groups.

Dagmar Žitniková, president of EPSU affiliate, the TUHSSC health workers’ union, said that the changes would mean denying proper healthcare to people who couldn’t afford the new fees while other reforms would make it difficult to get social assistance.

The unions were also critical of the government’s failure to get involved in a proper process of social dialogue over the reforms. Further actions are likely.
A detailed report of the demonstration by journalist, Marie Klírová of the TUHSSC is attached.