Hungarian protests


Hungarian unions are continuing their protests against the so-called “slave law”, which substantially changes overtime arrangements. 


Under the law, introduced in December 2018 by the government of Viktor Orbán, workers can be asked to work 400 hours’ overtime a year, rather than the current 250, and overtime will be calculated on a three-year basis rather than an annual basis. 


Unions and opposition parties have organised a series of protests with 10,000 demonstrating in the capital, Budapest, on 5 January and further demonstrations and blockades a fortnight later. 


Unions are also calling for a pay increase for public sector workers, changes to the law on strikes and improvements to pensions.