3 May, 2012On April 21, 2012 trade unionists and representatives of civil society organizations assembled on Prague's Venceslas Square to protest against the current anti-social reforms and to call upon the Government to resign.
CZECH REPUBLIC: With over 100,000 protesters, the demonstration of April 21 against Government reforms was the biggest anti-government demonstration since November 1989. The demonstration was organized by the Bohemian and Moravian Trade Union Confederation (CMKOS), the Association of Independent Trade Unions (ASO), civil society organizations and representatives of trade unions which included IMF affiliate OS-KOVO.
Protesters waved union flags and banners with slogans like "Stop the government" and "I am ashamed of the government and the president" and "Stupid Capitalism, Stupid Government, Stupid Cuts". Unions warned the government that they were ready to organize more radical protests, including a general strike, if their demands are not met.
The protesters from all over the country urged the government to abandon the austerity cuts and resign. In the Czech Republic this is the first time in modern history that trade unions and civil society organizations have met to agree on a common joint action.