Action threatened over code

Slovak unions have threatened action against a new labour code which they fear will cut union and employee rights.

The code was approved by the Slovak parliament on 13 July, although it still needs to be signed by the president to become law.

Although it includes some improvements, such as better protection for young mothers, unions are concerned about many of its provisions. These include a requirement that unions will only be able to represent employees at a workplace if at least 30% of employees are members, longer probationary periods for more senior employees, reduced premia for overtime and lower payments for those losing their jobs.

The unions argue that the 30% threshold is unconstitutional because it is an “unjustified restriction on activities of trade unions”.

The engineering union OZ KOVO organised a protest march on 25 June and it is threatening to withdraw from the tripartite council, as well as promising further action in the autumn.