Union leaders said ordinary people had voted for a more just and secure future last April, but Parliament has approved and is preparing to approve legislation that conflicts with the constitutional rule of law as well as basic EU rights. That is humiliating and creates uncertainty in the economy and in the public sector, they added.

The demonstration was organised by union federations Mszosz and SZEF and the Autonomous Trade Unions Federation.

The union leaders and some MPs spoke in favour of legal security in the public sector, for a predictable and fair pension and tax regime and for wages that can help make people earn a living.

A petition to that effect was accepted by Economy Ministry employment policy official László Fekete.

In response, prime ministerial spokesman Péter Szijjártó said the cabinet is committed to protecting pensions and that the organisers of the protest included some who run private pension funds that “made pensions disappear at stock exchanges”.

“We are sorry that they managed to mislead a few hundred Hungarian employees with this act,” he added.

The Liga Unions led by István Gaskó and the Workers Councils did not join the demonstration, saying it was politically motivated."

Source: Hungary Around the Clock.

This news item is one of many published daily by HATC, a premier subscription news service which distributes English-language info about Hungary via email or fax. For a free trial of HATC follow this link and click on 'Free Trial Subscription'.