Mews staff unionise after 15% cut tied to "AI-native" shift
What's the deal? Czech-based employees of hotel-software unicorn Mews have formed a workplace union under the national ICT Union, following the company's July decision to cut 15% of its roughly 1,350-person workforce — about 200 roles. The union wants a binding collective agreement and earlier consultation on layoffs and reorganisations.
Why now? Organisers say the union grew directly out of the July reorganisation, which prompted employees to seek a recognised way to be heard before decisions that affect them are made. Public mention surfaced on October 27, when one employee posted on LinkedIn: "Done. Union founded at Mews." (translated from Czech)
What led to the cuts? Mews framed the restructuring as a proactive shift toward an "AI-native" future, not a response to weak performance. Founder Richard Valtr said AI can now handle "much of the execution layer" of hotel work "at scale, and more profitably." Customer-facing roles were largely spared; departures fell mainly on managers and senior developers.
The backdrop: The cuts came roughly six months after Mews raised $300 million in a Series D at a $2.5 billion valuation, citing 55% growth in SaaS gross profit in 2025. The move appears tied to automation and restructuring rather than a funding crunch.
Valtr said he welcomes the union. "We know that some of our colleagues in the Czech Republic have formed a union, and I believe it will help us reach an even better understanding and cooperation," he told Lupa.cz (translated from Czech).
What could go wrong? The union's practical influence hinges on whether it secures a formal agreement. Its stated aims include advance consultation, a collective agreement, and ties with Mews worker councils in other countries.
The signal: Unionisation remains uncommon in tech, but the Mews case shows AI-driven restructuring sparking organised pushback. A recent collective-bargaining win at Microsoft Czechia, also via the ICT Union, offers a local precedent — and a hint that European tech workers may increasingly seek a say as automation reshapes headcount.
Read more: lupa.cz
Image credit: fhotels
