News

A Trade Union „Solidarność” structure (commerce section) was created on 18 January 2013 in Lidl Poland. The establishment of a Union structure in this multinational in Poland is a great success for the European Trade Union movement.



Justyna Chrapowicz, the leader of the newly created organisation stated during the press conference in Łódź that “Today’s meeting in the seat of the company was a positive surprise.” Colleague Justyna Chrapowicz explains that the company was informed on the creation of the „Solidarność” structure within this firm. They explained that they wanted a fruitful cooperation in order to improve the working conditions of the employees. Justyna Chrapowicz added that they cared about the development of the company and their intention to build a stronger position on the market. The priority that was also mentioned by Justyna Chrapowicz was that they want the workers to build up together with the company’s development.



The Union Organisation in Lidl was registered in the Union’s Board of the Łódź Region. Justyna Chrapowicz works in Łódź Lidl. Kacper Stachowski, Chief of Development Section of the National Commission of TU NSZZ "Solidarność" stated that “The country-wide campaign of workers’ organising in Lidl Poland turned into an international activity. We received the support from Ver.di, UNI Global Union, and other organisations, including the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.”



Waldemar Krenc, President of the Łódź Region of TU NSZZ “Solidarność” commented: “I am very happy that these young people organised the Union. I hope that they will succeed. They have courage and the will to act. It is a good sign for the future.”



Alfred Bujara – President of TU NSZZ “Solidarność” Commerce highlighted their expectations: “We hope that the employer will be open to dialogue with the Lidl workers in Poland, something which could contribute to solving existing problems at the negotiations’ table. We expect that Lidl management in Poland will abide binding legislation to organise Unions and to develop Unions.”



LIDL Company is part of the German capital group Schwarz. Lidl in Poland employs over 11,000 workers in 420 shops and 6 distribution centers.