Industrial Workers of the World

From: Date: 2009/1/8 Subject: News Workers Initiative Przesylam informacje z Polski . Jacek Rosolowski

Workers Initiative as a target of employers' and state's assault http://www.ozzip.pl/english/20-latest-news/589-workers-initiative-as-a-target-of-employers-and-states-assault

WI against breaching workers’ and union laws in supermarkets

Wtorek, 06 Styczeń 2009 13:13

On 20th of December, about 120 activists from Workers’ Initiative (WI) and others organisations (from 9 cities) participated in solidarity action with supermarket’s workers. They circulated several thousand of leaflets. Action catch attention of TV, radio and press. Because of this information about breaking worker's and union's rights was spread.

Almost all of customers was interested in action and tried to ask for details. Many times they give sign of solidarity with supermarket employees. (See photos) In Poznań, Warsaw and Zielona Góra in front of Alma Deli there took place actions in defence of labour laws. In Zielona Góra, where was dismissed Piotr Krzyżaniak, handed over several hundred of leaflets.

Some of participants circulated leaflets among employees and customers inside of shop. Piotr Krzyżaniak (activist of WI) was worker of Alma, before he got unlawful notice.

See more: Another dismissal of the Workers Initiative member

In Stary Browar, the most known shopping centre in Poznan, in front of Alma Deli a dozen of activists declaimed slogans. They had transparent: „People over profits”. and circulated ca. 1000 leaflets. Security - without success - tried to interfere in action. Police, called by manager of Stary Browar, took personal details. Nobody was arrested.

In some cities took place actions in front of Tesco. For example in Toruń chief of security tried to break action and gave invitation to confrontation in manager's office. Activist wanted to speak only in presence of mass media. That was reason, why dialog was impossible. In Tesco of Katowice protesters talked about worker's exploitation, breaking labour and social laws fe. not paying for overtime, breaking of safety rules. In both cities, and also in Lublin, customers got several hundred of leaflets consist of information about employee's situation in supermarkets.

See more about Tesco workers situation: TESCO exploiting Polish workers in Ireland or Successfull pickets outside TESCOs in England and Scotland

In Gdańsk, Szczecin and Częstochowa in Auchan supermarkets activists of WI disseminated information about condition of supermarket workers . Security of Auchan tried intervene in Gdańsk but limited itself only to exchange of words.

More about Auchan workers: Memories from Auchan In Poland for supermarkets and connected companies work several hundred of thousand people.

Employers break their rights. Only between 1999 and 2007 National Labour Inspectorate meted out 3,6 million zlotych for 20 000 of supermarket workers. This huge amount of money was steal by employers but it is only the tip of iceberg because not all snatches come into light.

Temporary workers who work for recruitment agencies are not object or subject of worker rights.

In 2007 National Labour Inspectorate controlled 78 supermarkets which are part of 28 trade chain. Control reports show that half of them:

• break rules of vacations, leave of absence, maternity leave;

• break rules of worktime and do not pay for overtimes;

• do not secure safety rules.

Additionally they pay horrible low wages, which very often are not higher than 380 EUR, affirm bad work atmosphere and assure sick relationships between employees.

Finally they fight against free trade union and fire everyone who is able to critic or expect respect for labour rights. WI took issue with other supermarkets. See more: Workers' Initiative and Polish Green Network complain European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Kaufland supermarkets and Exploited workers against the supermarket Biedronka Reklama

http://www.ozzip.pl/english/20-latest-news/588-wi-against-breaching-workers-and-union-laws-in-supermarkets