In a landmark decision, the Czech Supreme Court has upheld a ruling requiring Czech Post to compensate a driver from Moravia who was paid 3,500 crowns less per month than his Prague-based counterparts in the same pay grade.
The case emerged when an Olomouc-based driver challenged the wage disparity. Czech Post attempted to defend the difference by arguing that Prague drivers face more demanding conditions and responsibilities. However, the District Court for Prague 1 rejected this claim, ordering the company to pay 113,000 crowns in wage differences, stating that the work in both cities was comparable in complexity.
After failing to overturn the verdict at the Municipal Court in Prague, Czech Post made a final appeal to the Supreme Court. The postal service presented wage records of thirty Prague drivers who allegedly earned less than the Olomouc driver, suggesting that working in Prague wouldn’t necessarily guarantee higher wages.
The Supreme Court, led by Justice Jiří Doležílek, remained unconvinced by this argument. The court emphasized that lower-paid employees in comparable positions actually indicate potential violations of equal treatment principles rather than justifying wage disparities.
While Czech Post still has the option to file a complaint with the Constitutional Court, the ruling stands and payment must be made regardless of any future appeals.