Representatives of Beko Europe reached an agreement with trade unions in Lodz and Wroclaw regarding group layoffs

• Negotiations between the company and trade unions have led to the establishment of a comprehensive severance package for employees.
• Conditions supporting employees during the transition phase and next steps have been set.
• The strategic importance of Poland for production plants in Radomsko and Wroclaw has been confirmed.

Beko Europe successfully reached an agreement with trade union representatives concerning the planned restructuring of the refrigerator factory in Wroclaw and plants in Lodz. This agreement is a constructive result of a dialogue based on empathy, aimed at protecting the interests of the workers during this transition phase.

Both agreements are based on a severance package for employees affected by the restructuring and are the result of Beko’s negotiations with employee representatives and trade unions. Consultations were conducted with the goal to ensure the welfare, and with respect for the employees who have significantly contributed to the company’s success in recent decades.

During numerous intensive and multifaceted consultations, both sides agreed on the financial terms of the agreement, which depend on the tenure and attendance of the employees affected by the mass layoffs.

– We want to thank the employee representatives and the trade unions for constructive dialogue and genuine engagement, which has made it possible to reach these agreements. We understand that this whole process is difficult, but necessary, to strengthen a lasting operational base in Poland, especially by boosting key production activities in the plants in Radomsko and Wroclaw – said Francesco Celentano, Chairman of the Board of Beko Poland Manufacturing sp. z o.o.

– The above conditions result from our commitment to mitigate the effects of necessary layoffs and to provide support to employees to facilitate their transition through this difficult professional period – said Miroslawa Jachym-Krupa, Director of Personnel Management, Northern Area Beko Europe. Our priority remains a responsible approach to the restructuring process, with full respect for the rights of workers and care for the well-being of the people affected by these changes. We aim to provide the best possible support and leaving conditions for everyone involved in this process – she added.

The agreements in Wroclaw and Lodz include a wide range of actions to support employees, including extensive severance packages, which are tailored to work tenure and attendance. The company, in cooperation with local labor offices and authorities, has launched outplacement programs aimed at supporting the dismissed individuals in quickly returning to the labor market. Beko Europe also plans a series of additional actions in the field of vocational reintegration, so that employees can find their way on new career paths as stress-free as possible.

– After intense and demanding negotiations, we managed to work out an agreement which constitutes significant financial support for the employees who will leave as part of this process. According to the arrangements, the dismissed employees will receive severance payments significantly exceeding the statutory minimum. This agreement is a sign of respect for their long-standing work and recognition of their contribution to the plant’s development. I express special appreciation for the Board of Beko Poland Manufacturing Sp. z o.o., who showed openness and understanding of the situation of the workers and agreed to exceptionally favorable severance terms. At the same time, I would like to emphasize the role of the negotiating team, which contributed to the smooth and substantive conduct of the talks – said Krzysztof Domagała, Chairman of MOZ NSZZ “Solidarność” in Wroclaw.

– The content of the agreement can serve as an example for other employers and trade unions in Poland, setting high standards of cooperation in situations requiring restructuring. I hope it will inspire a responsible approach to social dialogue at the national and local levels – added Wiesław Przybyłek, Chairman of MNSZZ OPZZ in Wroclaw.

– After difficult and intense negotiations, we managed to reach an agreement with the employer. The employees dismissed in the process of group layoffs will receive severance pay at a satisfactory level, that will enable them to get through this difficult period. I thank the entire negotiating team for their hard and substantive work towards achieving this agreement – summarized Sebastian Grabarczyk, Chairman of mZK MSZZ “Solidarność”.

– Although the negotiation process was demanding, we managed to reach an agreement that is satisfactory for the workforce. Many employees were connected with the plant for a long time and it will be a difficult change for them to find their way again in the labor market. The negotiated agreement, however, allows us to look into the future with slightly more optimism – said Sławomir Owczarek, Chairman of the Inter-work Trade Union of AGD Producers for Lodz and Radomsko.

Beko Europe will implement measures in the near future according to a schedule agreed upon by both sides. The restructuring is part of Beko’s long-term strategy to establish a sustainable operational base in Poland, particularly by strengthening key production activities in the plants in Radomsko and Wrocław. The company remains committed to maintaining Poland as a key location, continuing investments in Wrocław and Radomsko to support current production and operational goals.