Biznes Fakty
Layoffs at the Krakus ham producer. Employees protested at Agryf Szczecin
Animex Foods, the manufacturer of Krakus ham, is terminating the contracts of long-standing employees at the Agryf facility in Szczecin and replacing them with less costly labor from Asia and Ukraine via employment agencies, according to „Gazeta Wyborcza.” On Wednesday, union members and workers held a demonstration calling for the reinstatement of those dismissed and a revision of the employment policy.
„GW” reported that on Wednesday, May 7, union members and employees convened at the Szczecin headquarters of Agryf to protest against the termination of 24 long-term staff. Those present highlighted that the skilled workforce „is the company's greatest asset.”
– Jurek has been with Agryf for 42 years. Grzesiu was so deeply affected by his dismissal that his health has declined, and he is currently undergoing treatment. He cannot come to terms with what has transpired after decades of service – stated Dariusz Głogowski, chairman of NSZZ „Solidarność” at the Agryf plant, as quoted by „GW”.
The publication clarified that „union representatives from Agryf are insisting on the reinstatement of the laid-off employees and that Animex should stop hiring agency workers.”
– I have dedicated 18 years of my life to this company. I fear that in my department, full-time staff may also be substituted with agency workers – shared Alicja, cited by „GW”.
– We have no objections to workers from Asia or Ukraine, but they should be hired on a permanent basis rather than at a reduced cost through agencies. These individuals work 12-14 hours, which is not safe – emphasized Dariusz Głogowski from NSZZ „Solidarność”.
Agryf in Szczecin employs 900 full-time staff. Agency workers account for around 100 individuals.
„GW” pointed out that two years prior, the plant’s full-time workforce stood at 1,200. „Layoffs occurred following the closure of the slaughterhouse. The 24 individuals who have recently been notified are from the ham cutting division,” it elaborated.
– Agryf has not reported any losses for last year or this year – there is no justification for layoffs – contended Głogowski.
The department „was not profitable”
Łukasz Dominiak, Director of Public and Government Relations for Agryf Foods, explained during a press meeting that „the ham cutting department was not profitable, which led to the restructuring measures.”
– We are engaged in discussions with our employees. Our objective is to sustain profitability and employment across the entire facility in Szczecin. Our aim is to safeguard jobs while also aligning the plant with market demands – he stated when asked about the possibility of further layoffs. He noted that utilizing external workers is a common practice in not only the meat sector.
Agryf is one of 13 facilities owned by Animex Foods, renowned for its Krakus, Berlinek, and Morlin cold cuts. Krakus ham is produced in Szczecin – offered in slices, canned, and as dry Krakowska sausage.
