Czech government delays EU pay‑transparency rules, keeping salary disclosure optional

The European Union’s directive on pay transparency, intended to give workers clearer insight into salaries and reduce gender pay gaps, is being transposed in the Czech Republic in a very limited form. The draft amendment to the labour code removes the requirement for employers to publish salary ranges in job advertisements and leaves the only obligation to inform a candidate of the exact wage at most before the start of employment. The final text is expected to reach the Chamber of Deputies after the summer holidays.

Critics say the approach “is toothless” and maintains information asymmetry in favour of employers. Surveys show that only about 5 % of Czech employees know colleagues’ pay, while more than half would like such information. Analysts warn that limited enforcement – similar to the experience in Slovakia where few fines have been imposed – may blunt any impact on wage negotiations and gender pay disparity. The proposal is under discussion with trade unions and employer representatives.

The debate highlights tension between calls for greater salary openness and concerns about added bureaucracy and potential employee turnover.