Good evening. Here is theFriday, February 9 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Railway transport in big trouble
The railway station at Kúty in western Slovakia. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
A shortage of employees means railway passengers in western Slovakia may experience significant delays in the near future, a union representing rail workers is warning. According to the Train Dispatchers Trade Union Association (OAVD), the lack of employees is down to inadequate working conditions and low wages, the SITA newswire reports.
According to Marej Ferencei from the OAVD, the state-owned ŽSR railway company has almost 500 fewer employees than it needs to ensure the management and security of railway operations. Trade unionists are asking both the Transport Ministry and ŽSR to say how they intend to ensure safe rail transport from mid 2024.
"The situation is really critical. This week, due to staff shortages, the number of night-shift employees at the Main Railway Station in Bratislava was limited," Ferencei said. Moreover, trains on the Kúty - Gbely - Holíč nad Moravou - Skalica line are no longer operating and are being replaced by buses.
The ministry says it is aware that there is a general problem with the shortage of staff in western Slovakia – and that it is not just the railways, but other sectors too, that face similar issues.
"We assure the public that we will do everything to avoid the catastrophic scenarios predicted by trade unionists," said the ministry. The OAVD says there is a real possibility that railway transport will be stopped from the middle of 2024, with Bratislava, Trnava and Záhorie regions among the most affected.
Related: Slovakia has significant problems with its railway infrastructure as well. Following an incident in March last year when a Supercity Pendolino train operated by the Czech railway company České Dráhy (ČD) derailed in Žilina, ČD has blasted Slovak railways over the state of its infrastructure. For this reason, international freight train operators are reportedly avoiding Slovakia, despite its prime transit location.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
POLITICS: Globsec, Slovakia's biggest high-level annual event, may quit Bratislava.
GOOD NEWS: Students launched a business based on wool and won awards, while the Slovak postal service won its 9th gold in a prestigious competition.
CRIME: Gangs of school-age children are reported to be attacking people in two towns in eastern Slovak, and even awarding each other status points for the attacks, according to police.
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FEATURE STORY FOR FRIDAY
What to do about wild boars in Bratislava?
Wild boars in the forests of Bratislava. (source: Jakub Mrva)
Recently, proliferating wild boar populations have attracted a lot of attention in the capital, either because they have ventured into residential areas, or thanks to a joint hunt organized by the forest company at the end of January, due to which a part of the forest park was closed.
Three measures have been suggested, but they need to be carried out simultaneously. However, one in particular is problematic.
EVENTS FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Fašiangy are in full swing this weekend
Fašiangy in Limbach. (source: TASR)
In Slovakia, the time between January 6 and the beginning of Lent is called Fašiangy (carnival), when people walk in processions in masks and costumes. This weekend, several events observing this tradition will be held in Slovak towns. Other events are also taking place: take a look at this week's selection.
In addition, here are three tips on what to do in the capital for free. You can pick a concert, go for a hike, and attend a special carnival.
IN OTHER NEWS
The upcoming European Parliament elections in Slovakia will take place on June 8, Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) announced. This year, Slovaks will elect a total of 15 MEPs for a five-year term. (TASR)
The European Commission has decided to extend its examination of Slovakia's application for the fourth tranche of its Recovery Plan payments beyond the two months stipulated in the Recovery and Resilience Facility regulation, in order to gather additional documentation necessary for the assessment. (TASR)
Due to several incidents involving falling rocks over the last few weeks, an emergency was declared on the busy I/18 road below Strečno Castle near Žilina, northern Slovakia. On Wednesday alone rocks damaged two cars and the road surface. Žilina District Office is recommending that a detailed geological survey be carried out to learn more about the situation. (TASR)
Damage to the road caused by falling rocks near Strečno Castle on February 7. (source: TASR)
According to Whistleblowing International Network (WIN) executive director Anna Myers, the proposed changes to the Whistleblowers Protection Act is incompatible with European Union law. "They violate the right of ordinary citizens of Slovakia to be protected from harassment or retaliation for honestly reporting a suspicion," stressed Myers. (TASR)
Today, Slovakia celebrates 31 years as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The country has several entries on UNESCO's lists, including those for historic sites and intangible cultural heritage.
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
On Saturday, expect clouds, an occasional shower and exceptionally high temperatures which could reach 18°C in the western and southern parts of the country. In many places, Sunday will be rainy with daytime temperatures of between 6°C and 11°C. Level 1 and 2 wind warnings have been issued for both days; check this map to see which districts are affected. (SHMÚ)
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