Czech agricultural trade unions call for general strike

The agricultural trade unions are members of the second biggest trade union umbrella organisation, the Association of Independent Trade Unions (ASO).

"The strike is to voice a deep dissatisfaction and disagreement with the policy of the governing coalition," ASO and also agricultural trade union head Bohumir Dufek said.

Dufek said the government had "assumed the role of a national saviour," but it harmed the Czech Republic with its steps.

Dufek pointed to increases in taxes and its impact on low-income groups, families with children, pensioners and the disabled.

"Scaring the public with Greece and pointing to the countries that are even worse off than us is nothing but a tragicomic veil," Dufek said, adding that the government only wanted to stick to power.

The Finance Ministry has submitted a budget bill for next year to be debated at the ongoing session of the Chamber of Deputies.

Despite the recession, the government has decided not to increase the deficit.

It plans to increase VAT and to decrease the growth of pensions within the austerity budget measures.

Some coalition deputies are reluctant to support the legislation.

The trade unions are against the government steps. Last week, they agreed with Prime Minister Petr Necas and representatives of employers to return to the tripartite talks after six months. The meeting is scheduled for September 24.

Author: ČTK
www.ctk.cz