Holding the line
Results of a referendum taken by union officials last week show that the vast majority of employees at Poland's principal fixed-line operator, TP SA, are ready to strike if the company goes ahead with planned job cuts later this year.
"More than 50 percent of employees took part, so the refendum is valid, and more than 91 percent voted for a strike," said union leader Marek Madrzyk.
TP SA insists the job cuts of 3,500 from its 31,000-strong workforce are necessary to stem falling revenues and to keep up with growing competition. In a sign of its determination to go ahead with the cuts, the company has informed the Labor Office that the process of group lay-offs has begun - marking the formal beginning of the action under Polish law.
The union held talks with TP SA management on proposals it has for changes to the plan last Friday, and negotiations are expected to continue this week.
"We are hopeful, but we have to see whether the board is prepared to give up at least some of what it has planned," said Madrzyk. (Reuters)
"More than 50 percent of employees took part, so the refendum is valid, and more than 91 percent voted for a strike," said union leader Marek Madrzyk.
TP SA insists the job cuts of 3,500 from its 31,000-strong workforce are necessary to stem falling revenues and to keep up with growing competition. In a sign of its determination to go ahead with the cuts, the company has informed the Labor Office that the process of group lay-offs has begun - marking the formal beginning of the action under Polish law.
The union held talks with TP SA management on proposals it has for changes to the plan last Friday, and negotiations are expected to continue this week.
"We are hopeful, but we have to see whether the board is prepared to give up at least some of what it has planned," said Madrzyk. (Reuters)
