The court rules: by terminating Dariusz Kawka’s contract IKEA Industry Lubawa “grossly violated provisions of labor law”

Iława District Court has ruled that Dariusz Kawka’s termination of employment contract with IKEA Industry Lubawa was a flagrant violation of labor law.

“Today I received a warrant verdict from the 2nd Criminal Division of Iława District Court, that the person from the top management of IKEA Industry Lubawa was found guilty,” relays Dariusz Kawka, chairman of the local trade union organization of NSZZ “Solidarność”, who was fired from his job last November.

The court ruled, as Dariusz Kawka explains, that “the person acting on behalf of the employer, terminated the employment contract with me in gross violation of labor laws by, among others: failing to obtain the approval of the board of NSZZ “Solidarność” Trade Union Organization in IKEA Industry Poland Ltd. Lubawa Branch to terminate the employment relationship with me as, inter alia, a member of the European Works Council of Inter IKEA Holding B.V. and also a member of the board of local trade union organization who is authorized to represent it vis-à-vis the employer.”

Dismissed despite NSZZ “Solidarność” objections

Let us remind you that, on Monday, November 28, Dariusz Kawka, chairman of the NSZZ “Solidarność” local in IKEA Industry Lubawa, was dismissed from work. According to the employer, the reasons justifying his dismissal constituted in repeated violations of basic labor obligations by the trade unionist.

Dariusz Kawka is the chairman of the trade union organization of NSZZ “Solidarność” in IKEA Industry Lubawa, a delegate to the IKEA Industry European Works Council and at the same time a member of the City Council of Lubawa.

On November 15, the Lubawa City Council received a letter from IKEA Industry Lubawa about its intention to terminate the employment contract with Dariusz Kawka. Three days later, during an extraordinary session of the Lubawa City Council, approval was given for his dismissal. On the same day, November 18, more than 300 IKEA workers picketed at the gate of the Lubawa plant in solidarity with the trade unionist.The local trade union organization of NSZZ “Solidarność” in IKEA Industry Lubawa did not agree to the termination of Dariusz Kawka’s employment contract. In a letter to the employer dated 23^rd November 2022, the local trade union organization expressed the opinion that “the employee did not gravely violate basic labor obligations, moreover, the reasons given for his dismissal are false.” Further the letter reads, “The intention to terminate chairman Kawka’s employment constitutes a form of harassment due to his proactive attitude and legitimate union activities, including the initiation of a collective dispute not recognized by the employer, active efforts to improve terms of remuneration as well as working conditions.”

Original Polish article source: Tysol.pl