The stalled digitalization of construction procedures is causing significant frustration among workers at construction offices, with some contemplating resignation and others considering a strike as a last resort. Alena Gaňová, deputy chairwoman of the Trade Union of State Bodies and Organizations, expressed these concerns following a meeting with Regional Development Minister Ivan Bartoš. Despite the rising discontent, Gaňová emphasized that neither the officials nor the union are currently planning any strikes. Minister Bartoš assured on social media that efforts are underway to relax qualification requirements for civil servants.
Gaňová described the mood among officials as one of anger, frustration, and despair. Tasks that previously took minutes are now taking significantly longer, leading to fears that missed deadlines could result in legal action from builders. The idea of a strike has emerged not from the union but from the officials themselves, many of whom are not union members.
Last week, the union addressed a letter to Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Minister Bartoš, outlining major issues with the digitalization system. The letter highlighted the absence of basic templates for automatic form filling, poor integration with the Land Registry, and fundamental functionality problems. In a pointed letter, union chairman Pavel Bednář criticized Bartoš for either being unaware of the severity of the issues or downplaying them in a way that insults the affected officials.
These concerns are echoed by the Association of Secretaries of Municipal and Municipal Authorities, the Chambers of Architects and Engineers, the Platform for a Healthy Building Act, and the Union of Towns and Municipalities. Representatives from these organizations recently met with ministry officials, including Bartoš, to address the situation. The Minister of Regional Development has stated that the system should be fully operational by the end of August.
Bartoš acknowledged the long-standing staffing challenges at construction offices, with thousands of positions unfilled. He admitted that the rollout of the new construction law and its accompanying digitalization process has been difficult but remains optimistic that it will eventually improve the situation. To help alleviate the pressure, the ministry is working on easing qualification requirements for officials and recently increased their salary scales in July. Bartoš also expressed understanding of the uncertainty and stress facing the staff and committed to working with the unions to resolve these issues swiftly.
Since the digitalization schemes launched on July 1, municipal authorities and builders have raised concerns about the system’s shortcomings, which some estimate could lead to billions in losses. Criticism has also come from government partners of the Pirate Party, with TOP 09 MPs chairman Jan Jakob suggesting that Bartoš should take personal responsibility if the system is not fixed by the end of August. However, Bartoš has repeatedly stated that he has no plans to resign.
Source: CTK
