Prague Airport Unions Declare Strike Readiness

Resistance is growing at Prague Airport over the planned appointment of its new Chairman of the Board. Five trade unions have declared strike readiness and warned of possible cutbacks.

Five trade union organisations at Prague Václav Havel Airport have declared strike readiness. According to the Czech news channel ČT24, the move is in response to the planned appointment of Radomír Lašák as Chairman of the Board and concerns about the airport’s future development.

The trade unions representing Prague Airport and the ground handling company ČSA Handling had previously called on Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Finance Minister Alena Schillerová to reconsider Lašák’s appointment to the top position.

Among other concerns, they point to Lašák’s previous role at Czech Airlines during a financially difficult period for the company. They also questioned the selection process for the position of Chairman of the Board of Prague Airport.

According to the broadcaster, the Czech Ministry of Finance rejected the criticism, stating that the government’s objective is to further develop the airport rather than weaken it.

In a joint statement, five trade union organisations representing Prague Airport and ČSA Handling nevertheless expressed serious concerns about the company’s future strategic direction and development. They also fear for job security and the interests of employees.

Foto: Prague Airport

The unions said that the uncertainty is further compounded by the lack of up-to-date information regarding possible changes to the airport’s structure, management and financing. They believe that more extensive restructuring could take place, potentially affecting employee numbers.

As a further reason for declaring strike readiness, the trade unions cited a statement made by Prime Minister Babiš. At the beginning of July, he told the Chamber of Deputies that the state could float part of its stake in Prague Airport on the stock exchange. The strike readiness has been in effect since Tuesday, 21 July, and will remain in place until further notice.

Prague Airport said in a statement on X that the trade unions' declaration of strike readiness currently has no impact on operations at Václav Havel Airport Prague. The airport continues to operate as normal, with passenger processing running according to schedule.