PiS MEP Marlena Maląg today submitted a question to the European Commission regarding deteriorating working conditions and violations of workers’ rights in the context of mass layoffs at PKP Cargo.
“This year’s Global Rights Index report, published by the MKZZ, reveals an alarming trend of deteriorating working conditions and violations of trade union rights. Europe has not seen such poor results since 2014, and yet there was time until November 2024 to implement Directive (EU) 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages, which should have improved the situation in this area. Unfortunately, the report also mentions Poland, which is listed—alongside countries such as Senegal and Lesotho—in the context of actions targeting trade unions at PKP Cargo. Meanwhile, in recent days, the management of PKP Cargo announced further mass layoffs—4,000 people have already been laid off, and another 2,000 employees are expected to be laid off in 2025–2026. Furthermore, according to information from union representatives, the company plans to sell or scrap 10,000 railcars, including those adapted for transporting military equipment, which has economic and strategic significance,” the parliamentary question states.
In light of the above, the PiS MEP asks whether the European Commission recognizes the problem of labor rights violations at PKP CARGO. Furthermore, Maląg asks whether Poland has applied for support under the European Globalization Adjustment Fund in light of further rounds of layoffs at PKP Cargo, and whether the sale or scrapping of rolling stock adapted for the transport of military equipment is in line with the EU’s strategy to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, autonomy, and defense capabilities.
