Czech news in brief for November 16: Saturday's top headlines

A survey by Up Česká republika reveals that 44 percent of Czech employees often work during illness, citing reduced sick pay as a key factor. Sick pay covers only 60 percent of earnings, dissuading some from taking medical leave. Remote work options also contribute, especially for office roles. Despite fewer sick leave cases—1.3 million in the first half of 2024, down 52,000 from 2023—the average leave duration increased to 32.5 days, highlighting a complex workplace health landscape.

Attacks on Czech Labor Office employees have surged, with 689 incidents reported by October, surpassing 2022 figures, spokesman Michal Kovářík said. October alone saw a 92-attack spike, up 80 percent year-on-year. Security measures include panic buttons, glass barriers, and ID-based client summons. The Labor Office, which has over 90 percent female staff, has also filed nine criminal complaints recently.

A bird flu outbreak was confirmed at a turkey farm in Medlov, near Brno, prompting the culling of 12,000 birds. The virus, likely transmitted from nearby waterfowl habitats, marks the tenth commercial farm case this year. The affected farm houses over 200,000 poultry, but the outbreak is not expected to disrupt operations. Firefighters and prison labor will assist with containment measures. Authorities have established protective zones to prevent further spread.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský presented the Medal of Merit for Diplomacy to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, during his visit to London. Lipavský praised Zaluzhnyi’s leadership in repelling Russian aggression and promoting democracy. Zaluzhnyi, instrumental in Ukraine’s military successes in Kharkiv and Kherson, was appointed ambassador in May after his military dismissal. The medal honors efforts in democracy and Czech diplomatic ties.

Three Czechs are accused of robbing a jewelry shop and an exchange office in Austria last year, Austrian police said. Two suspects were extradited from Czechia, while the third remains in a German prison for another robbery. The 20-year-old main suspect, linked to the drug scene, used a gas pistol in a Haugsdorf heist before a failed Vienna robbery attempt. The stolen goods allegedly funded narcotics.

The Czech women’s tennis team will compete against Poland in today’s Billie Jean King Cup quarterfinals in Málaga. Poland’s Friday victory over Spain was led by Iga Świątek and Magda Linette. Czech captain Petr Pála has a squad including Linda Nosková, returning from a two-month break, along with Marie Bouzková, Kateřina Siniaková, Sára Bejlek, and Dominika Šalková. The Czechs hold a 3-0 record against Poland in past team encounters.

Czechia has requested a CZK 65 million penalty from Israel over delays and issues with military radar deliveries, according to the Defence Ministry. Of the eight MADR radars purchased for CZK 3.5 billion in 2019, only four meet contractual standards. Defense officials cited technical problems and pandemic-related delays. The contract allows penalties up to CZK 150 million. Discussions with Israeli supplier Elta Systems are ongoing, but no formal response has been received.

A recent survey by Provident Financial shows that 50 percent of Czechs plan to spend the same on Christmas gifts as last year, while over 25 percent will cut costs. Only 15 percent expect to spend more. Most respondents (75 percent) will spend under CZK 10,000, with younger people more likely to increase budgets. Over 80 percent of households plan traditional potato salad for Christmas dinner, and 88 percent will shop online, with many opting for domestic e-shops.

A 1919 Czechoslovak CZK 5,000 banknote sold for CZK 25.68 million at a Prague auction, making it the most expensive Czech paper currency ever auctioned. The note, one of only two known surviving examples, had a starting bid of CZK 2.5 million. Previously, a perforated version of the same note held the record at CZK 14.52 million. Auction organizer Bankovky.com confirmed the sale and noted the item's rarity and historical significance.