On 26 September 2026, the Trade Union of Security Forces announced on its website that it disagreed with the proposed form of the planned pay increase for police officers, firefighters, customs officers and prison service members. Instead of the proposed approach, it demands a ten-percent increase in the basic tariffs of all security forces members from 1 January 2027.[1][2][3]*

Government Proposal

Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO) announced on 21 September 2026 that the pay of security forces members would rise by 2,600 to 2,900 crowns per month each year over the next three years.[1][2] According to the unions, of this amount 1,300 crowns is planned to be shifted into the tariff, with the rest going into a stabilization allowance, the amount of which is decided by the directors of the individual forces.[1][2][3]

Metnar also stated that the aim of the adjustments is for the starting salary after professional training to reach 50,000 crowns by January 2029.[1][2][3] The government formed by the ANO movement, the SPD and the Motorists states this goal in its policy statement.[1][2][3]

Union Arguments

In its statement, the Union of Security Forces said that "a fixed amount of 1,300 crowns does not represent even a five-percent increase in the basic tariff for the vast majority of members" and that for more experienced members it often amounts to only two to three percent.[1][2][3] According to the unions, the stabilization allowance does not represent a guaranteed part of income, and they therefore consider it a supplement rather than a substitute for a proper tariff increase.[1][2][3]

The unions further claim that before the elections, the ANO movement promised a substantial increase in pay and benefits, regular indexation of earnings, and bringing conditions into line with those of soldiers.[1][2][3] According to the union, a five-percent pay rise had already been factored into the budget outlook earlier, so it cannot be regarded as the fulfilment of a pre-election promise.[1][2][3] The unions also pointed to a shortage of personnel, the departure of experienced members, the increasing demands of the service, and the decline in the real value of income caused by earlier high inflation.[1][2][3]

Next Steps

The Union of Security Forces announced that it wants to negotiate its demands with the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior on 29 September 2026.[1][2][3]

Related articles: Police of the Czech Republic

Chronology

  • — Trade unions of police officers and firefighters rejected the plan for pay rises in the security services and demand a ten percent increase in pay tariffs. ČTK / České noviny Seznam Zprávy

Sources

  1. ČTK / České noviny — 26 September 2026
  2. Seznam Zprávy — 26 September 2026
  3. iDNES.cz — 26 September 2026