Slovak unions and employers demand consultation on government's economic measures

Slovak trade unions and employers are criticizing the government for preparing economic measures without consulting them through the country's tripartite dialogue process. Economy Minister Denisa Saková is set to present the first package of measures on Wednesday, but neither the Confederation of Trade Unions (KOZ) nor employer representatives have seen the proposals. Labor Minister Erik Tomáš confirmed that meal vouchers and shorter lunch breaks will not be included in the measures, and said tripartite negotiations would take place before parliamentary debate. The measures are aimed at reducing economic burdens, but both social partners remain excluded from the preparation process. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over the government's approach to economic policy-making. Slovakia's tripartite system traditionally involves government, trade unions, and employers in major economic decisions, but the current administration has faced criticism for bypassing this consultation mechanism on several occasions. The exclusion of social partners from the preparation of economic measures risks undermining the collaborative approach that has historically been used to build consensus on labor and economic policies in the country.