PiS MEPs Marlena Maląg and Kosma Złotowski submitted a question to the European Commission regarding mass layoffs at PKP Cargo S.A. as part of its restructuring. By the end of October, the company is set to lay off nearly 3,800 employees, including those from protected groups.
The MEPs point out that although the Polish rail market is the second-largest and second-most valuable in Europe, PKP Cargo’s situation is dire. “We have received alarming reports from the National Section of NSZZ ‘Solidarność’ regarding mass layoffs (ultimately 30 percent of the workforce, or over 4,000 employees) and a serious violation of the principles of social dialogue, as well as the dismissal of vulnerable groups despite their special status (pregnant women, employees covered by a pre-retirement protection period, and trade union members). “In light of this situation, numerous protests are taking place in Poland,” the letter to the European Commission states.
In light of the above, Members of the European Parliament are asking whether the European Commission is aware of the issue concerning mass layoffs at PKP Cargo S.A. and the manner in which they are being carried out, and if so, what measures the Commission intends to take to assist the employees, especially those belonging to protected groups. In addition, PiS politicians are asking whether the laid-off employees of PKP Cargo are eligible for assistance from the European Globalization Adjustment Fund (EGF).
