Some 2,500 members of trade unions from across Slovakia marched in Košice on Thursday in support of their requirements in collective bargaining such as higher pay along with better workplace conditions and social standing. Using whistles, sirens, drums and other noise-making devices, the crowd demonstrated their dissatisfaction with their situation.
“We're aiming to discuss with people as to how to negotiate for and attain higher salaries. Employers are offering a zero percent pay rise,” said head of KOVO trade unions board Emila Machyna. He added that pay rises shouldn't only follow the inflation rate, as also labour productivity and other financial indicators should be taken into account. He noted that Slovakia's productivity is at 80 percent of the European average while salaries are in the neighbourhood of 40 percent. “What we want is an extra €40 for each employee plus a 3-percent pay rise,” said Machyna. He said that
