Final Word from Wednesday, October 19, 2005
The unions are using the rapprochement of ČSSD and the Communists to carve out new territory for themselves, and the first result is the imminent passage of a new labor code. The unions are getting indirect help from employers, who are too disorganized to defend their interests. President Jaroslav Míl of the Confederation of Industry and Transportation was so disgusted with the draft that he walked out of negotiations, while Supervisory Board Chairman Vratislav Kulhánek of Škoda Auto found little wrong with the proposal. The unions are basking in their success and want to carry it over into the wage area. Record profits at many companies make it increasingly difficult to argue against nice increases for productive employees, but the profits could slide if companies can't deal with the unproductive workers. Employers have only a few short weeks to explain this to Parliament.[Czech Republic Communist Party KSČM]