Talks with unionists constructive, says prime minister

Talks between Prime Minister Eduard Heger (OLaNO), Government ministers and labour unions will continue, with the Prime Minister confirming on Tuesday that no deal has been clinched yet. "Naturally, the first round of talks usually ends up without any deal. It would have been a great surprise had the deal been hammered out. However, the talks were quite constructive," stated Heger, adding that the negotiations will continue. The unionists discussed with the Prime Minister a proposal to pay state employees a one-time bonus of €500. The education unionists already responded that they didn't perceive the one-time bonus as a salary hike, rather only a compensation contribution, and they continue to insist on a 10% salary hike for all education employees.