The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure officially suspended plans to close down six railway plants through the integration of Railway Plants.
The proposed measures have sparked outrage of unions and workers, as they would have threatened the liquidation of local railway maintenance plants, job losses, and a decline in the safety and efficiency of Poland’s railway network, if put in place. More than 500 railway workers had gathered to protest, supported by ETF affiliate NSZZ “Solidarność”, as well as the four largest trade unions operating within PLK and numerous local communities and political groups. ETF strongly supported the demands, urging the ministry to engage in genuine consultation with workers’ representatives before making such far-reaching restructuring decisions.
Zdzislaw Jasi Kski and Henryk Sikora represented NSZZ “Solidarność”’s national section of railways at the Committee meeting. The board of PKP Polskie Railway Lines S.A. said in a statement, that the scope and method of integration had caused criticism from trade unions, local governments and parliamentarians. Taking into account additional analyses carried out as a result of social consultations, the PLK SA Board has made the decision to suspend the integration of Railway Plantations. We congratulate the unions and workers involved!
