Prague Airport Unions Declare Strike Alert Over New Chairman's Appointment

Prague Airport's union organizations have declared a strike alert, expressing deep concerns over the selection of Radomír Lašák as the new chairman of the board. Lašák's previous tenure at Czech Airlines (ČSA), which eventually ceased operations, has fueled anxieties among unionists about the future direction and development of the airport.

Union representatives not only pointed to Lašák's history with ČSA but also alleged irregularities in the selection process for the new chairman. Adding to the tension is a statement from Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš suggesting the possibility of listing parts of Prague Airport on the stock exchange, a move that has further unsettled the unions.

Despite the union's stance, Prague Airport issued a statement on social media assuring the public that the situation has no impact on airport operations or passenger services. "The airport is functioning in standard mode, and passengers do not need to worry about any restrictions related to departures or arrivals," the statement read.

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The union organizations have declared a strike alert. This situation has no impact on the operation of Václav Havel Airport Prague or passenger processing. The airport is functioning in standard mode, and passengers do not need to worry about any restrictions related to departures or arrivals.

Czech Finance Minister Alena Schillerová defended the selection of Lašák, stating he was chosen through a fair and open process as the most suitable candidate. She expressed confidence in his ability to ensure the airport's dynamic development and believes the unions' concerns are misplaced. The ministry later announced that Lašák would assume his role a month earlier than expected, in August, hoping this would help calm the situation.

Lašák led ČSA from 2006 to 2009. Unions claim his strategies, including the gradual sale of assets and scaling back operations, significantly impacted both ČSA and Prague Airport, contributing to the airline's economic decline. While acknowledging multiple factors in ČSA's downfall, they attribute a substantial role to Lašák's decisions. Lašák met with union representatives and the minister, reportedly assuring them that there are no plans for asset sales or layoffs. The unions stated their next steps would depend on the new management's actions starting August 1.

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Prague Airport deserves dynamic development, and I believe its future head has all the prerequisites to ensure it. I have no doubt that we have the same interest as the airport unions.