Europe
The European Commission has set out its latest plans for cuts that involve longer working hours, cuts to jobs and lower starting rates of pay for some staff. The retirement age will be increased from 63 to 65 and staffing levels will be reduced by 5% by natural wastage. Staff will also be taxed with a 6% so-called “solidarity levy” .
Read more at > European Commission (22 languages)
Public sector unions may take strike action in response to the government’s intention to go ahead with a pay cut of 10%. Separate negotiations are likely with the health unions but a change in the public sector structure could involve even deeper cuts in pay. Read more at > Czech news website (EN)
The government has said that it will go through with plans to cut public sector pay by 10% next year, despite plans for further action by the trade unions. However, the government has said that it will not implement proposals for a reform of the pay structure next year. Unions had been concerned that the impact of the pay reforms, with removal of increases based on length of service, could mean cuts of up to 40% for some workers. Read more at > Czech news website (EN)
