Prague, Feb 20 (CTK) – The trade unions disagree with the Czech government’s decision not to buy the OKD mining company through the state-owned company Diamo, Josef Stredula, chairman of the CMKOS trade union confederation, told journalists yesterday.
It is an irresponsible decision, Stredula said after a meeting of the government, the trade unions and employers.
The proposal to buy the company was submitted to the government by the Industry and Trade Ministry.
However, the plan was only backed by the ministers for the Social Democrats (CSSD), which was not enough for the deal to be passed.
The trade unions from OKD called on the government to put up an offer for the purchase of OKD last Tuesday.
The trade unions feel surprised at the government decision. Stredula said.
Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka (CSSD) said the vote in the government had been very political.
He added that a new private investor might only have short-term interests.
However, since the CSSD did not find a backing with its coalition partners, the state will not take part in the debate within the insolvency procedure, Sobotka said.
Last year, OKD became insolvent. At present, the firm employes 11,000 people. Its demise would largely increase the unemployment rate in the North Moravia region.
($1=25.372 crowns)
