Confederation supports coal mining limits lifting

The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic supports the coal mining limits lifting which will enable to maintain and create new jobs in North-West Bohemia brown-coal region.

The Confederation formulated its stance at the tripartite meeting with the trade unions and representatives of the government of Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka on Monday 20^th October that Czech President Milos Zeman took part in.

Nevertheless, the Confederation stressed, that it is necessary to respect the opinion of the local population living in the areas of potential new mining.

"It is a big difference to lift the limit in areas that are not inhabited, or in Horni Jiretin," Hanak said, referring to a north Bohemian town with large brown coal deposits. In Horni Jiretin, the municipal elections held in mid-October were won by groupings that are opposed to the limits lifting and that strive for the town's preservation.

On the contrary, the lifting of the limits is supported by the Bohemian-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS). "Yes, we will definitely push for the limit lifting."  Josef Stredula, head of the ČMKOS said. „The infrastructure is prepared for it."

Stredula pointed out that the long-lasting high unemployment rate in the Ustí nad Labem region must be taken into consideration in deciding on coal mining limits lifting.

Zeman is convinced that the limits will be lifted "sooner or later". He added that he would back a referendum if it will be held on the issue in the region.

Prime Minister Sobotka said the question of the limits will be solved by the state energy and raw material policy plans, which the tripartite will discuss in December and the government will decide on them later this year or in early 2015.