A flooded house in Bratislava's Devín borough after massive floods last September. (source: Marko Erd)
At the end of March, climatologist Jozef Pecho resigned from the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) after nearly 15 years, citing a toxic workplace culture marked by intimidation, mismanagement and disdain for expertise.
In a scathing public statement on social media, Pecho accused the institute's leadership of eroding professionalism and claimed the Environment Ministry is either complicit or silently enabling the decline.
Almost a week later, 30 SHMÚ employees warned of a crisis that is threatening the professional integrity, operational capacity and reputation of the institute. Also, an internal petition addressed to the management is circulating in SHMÚ, signed by 150 out of around 400 employees in total.
Losing service the country needs
In an open letter addressed to SHMÚ management, the government, the Environment Ministry and the general public, the experts talk of forced layoffs, budget cuts, lack of transparency, the destruction of expertise and loss of trust in the institute's management due to threats on the latter's part. According to the employees, their personal allowances are being cancelled, and their benefits, cooperation on international projects, foreign business trips and working from home are being limited.
"The result is the departure of meteorologists, climatologists, hydrologists and air quality experts, whose replacement is extremely difficult in Slovakia. Moreover, many SHMÚ workplaces have been understaffed for a long time; still, more waves of layoffs are being planned," the employees claim.
They say that if the SHMÚ is paralysed, it will not be possible to properly ensure early warning of extreme weather events, or provide support for crisis management, the Mountain Rescue Service, or meteorological services for aviation and defence, even support for police and firefighters, among many other issues.
"Without functional SHMÚ, Slovakia will lose credibility, get into legislative conflict with the European Union, and lose the ability to protect the lives, health, and property of its citizens. Destroying the SHMÚ means disabling the early warning system, protection against climate threats, and basic services on which the country's security and functioning depend," warn the experts.
According to Denník N daily, the initiative came from the employees of the Centre of Forecast and Warnings who work in 12-hour shifts, with three throughout the day and one at night. Compared to neighbouring countries, it is the lowest number. For example, Czechia has 15 to 20 people on a day shift in a local branch of its hydrometeorological institute, whereas in Slovakia three employees provide service for the entire country.
No bullying, says minister
The employees also mentioned bullying.
In response, Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba who oversees the institute, refuted the idea of employees being bullied and knows of no such case.
"We live in a democratic and lawful country with a sufficient legal framework, where anyone can use legitimate tools if they have been subjected to bullying. Otherwise, there is reasonable suspicion that this is just an attempt to divert attention from possible serious misconduct that has been happening at the SHMÚ for a long time," Taraba said.
According to the minister, 1,300 contracts have been uncovered at the institution that employs 430 people, and that this has been taken care of. He added that this is unacceptable when the state needs to save money. He also ordered a sweeping audit of the SHMÚ, also citing unrealised potential.
Acting director Ivana Herkel was expected to hold crisis talks with ministry officials and trade union representatives later last week.
