9 January – Union busting – „Solidarnosc” members dismissed

A few dozens of workers of “Biedronka” discount markets [Jeronimo Martins, Portugese capital] found their fixed-term labour contracts expired without extending – they were members of “Solidarnosc”, solid, reliable and experienced employees. The Union considers legal counter measures, and a rally was already organized on 3 January at the gates of the company’s headquarters.

Of course, the employer used various pretexts and did not openly admit to violating the law. However, many of the dismissed workers reported talks with HR managers convincing the employees to resign from the union in order to keep their jobs.

A similar situation took place in LG Chem company [Korean capital]. On 22 December two leaders and six members of the enterprise trade union organisation were dismissed, and six more were fired the following day. They were all made to sign papers in a hurry, put in taxis and removed from the company without the right to return to workplace in the period of termination of contract.