Slovak Republic

EPSU has collaborated with the SOZ ZaSS health union in producing an overview of recent developments in collective bargaining in the health sector. The article provides some background on the key negotiations and the challenges faced in securing improved funding for the sector as well as better pay and conditions for the workers. The situation is similar to other countries in Central and Eastern Europe and also raises questions about the potential of general healthcare unions to work with other organisations in the sector, particularly unions representing doctors. [Read more at > EPSU (EN)-

A new collective agreement running for 12 months from 1 January 2006 provides for a 5% increase in pay for civil servants. It also allows from some local negotiations, particularly on working time so that it is possible to cut the standard 40-hour working week by up to 2½ hours. Longer paid leave can also be negotiated at local level. [Read more at > EIRO->http://www.eiro.eurofound.eu.int/2006/02/inbrief/sk0602101n.html] Meanwhile the 300,000 public sector employees who don't have civil service status should see an increase in basic pay of 6% from 1 July. [Read more at > EIRO->http://www.eiro

Parliament has agreed significant changes to the Labour Code, including: either severance pay or a layoff notice period but not both; longer periods for fixed-time employment; longer overtime hours permitted; less pay for overtime work; more night shifts allowed. While there are some positive elements in terms of holiday entitlement and maternity benefits the Slovak trade union confederation says that overall impact is aimed at weakening employees’ rights creating more flexibility for employers in the labour market. [Read more at > Slovak Spectator news website (EN)->http://spectator.sme.sk