LABOR - The Cabinet approved a draft of the controversial Labor Code amendment Sept. 21 after the Social Democrats pushed the draft through against the will of coalition partners Christians Democrats and the Freedom Union. The amendment has been criticized for giving more power to trade unions than employers. The draft will now go to Parliament.

INCOME - The Czech Republic made 0.33 percent of its gross national income on European Union membership in 2004, according to a recent European Commission report. Altogether, the Czech Republic received 250 million euros ($305 million/7.35 billon Kc) from EU funds last year.

BROADBAND - Germany's Siemens has won a tender to upgrade the broadband network of Czech telecommunications and transmission company Ceské radiokomunikace. Siemens beat rival Cisco in the 20 million Kc tender. The new technology will allow the telecom to offer Triple Play, Internet and TV broadcasting in one network.

AIRSPACE - International airlines will pay more for flying over the Czech territory from 2006 to reduce traffic and pay for the construction of a new control center near Prague, said Czech Air Traffic Control spokesman Richard Klíma. At present, airlines using Czech airspace pay the second-lowest fee in Europe (26.40 euros per aircraft). Klíma said the fee could grow to 34 euros.

FUEL - The Finance Ministry has launched checks of fuel prices in individual regions across the country, according to ministry spokesman Marek Zeman. The checks are being made to ensure that gas station operators drop gas prices as global oil prices decline.