Local government prevents KGHM president from laying off his chauffeur

The president of copper giant KGHM Polska Miedz Marian Krzeminski cannot fire his chauffeur because the Chocianow city council will not let him. The driver, Andrzej Chatala, has worked for the company for 23 years. When Krzeminski decided to dismiss him, according to the law he had to seek city council's permission, because Chatala is a member of the council. The council would not give its permission, because it does not see any grounds for Chatala being laid off. In his official letter to the council, Krzeminski cites reorganization and liquidation of Chatala's position as the reason for his dismissal. However, one of the council members said, "Three new drivers have been hired, since Chatala was told his services were no longer required." (Puls Biznesu, page 36)