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On the world day for decent work, unionists from TU NSZZ “Solidarność” Commerce and hypermarket workers demonstrated in front of the Polish Parliament – Sejm. They handed a petition to the Polish Parliament spokeperson - Mr. Radosław Sikorski. In the petition, they ask to change the bad situation for commerce workers in Poland, in particular, they demand a pay rise and more attention to the hard working conditions in sector.

- We demand a change in the law, we demand that the policy makers pay more attention to women working in the commerce sector, as they represent 72 per cent of commerce sector workforce in our country. They work very hard and they get, very ofhen, only the minimum wage. Many commerce workers are employed on civil law contracts or fixed term contracts unfortunately – said Alfred Bujara, President of the NSZZ “Solidarity” National TU of Commerce Sector Workers during a press conference in the Parliament.

- It is difficult to survive on the money our members are paid. Pay and working conditions are much worse than in western Europe. Multinationals which operate in Poland treat Polish workers worse than workers in the countries that they come from. – added Alfred Bujara.

In the petition, unionists presented their main demands, inter alia establishing a commission for the social dialogue in the sector. – On the national level, Unions do not have a partner for dialogue, there is no proper association of the commerce employers. It is shameful – stressed Bujara.

During demonstration unionists drew attention to the hard working conditions, especially for women. – Working conditions for women in hypermarkets and supermarkets are worsening. We should say that the employment in supermarkets fell by about 50% in the last 7 years. Today one worker performs the amount of work that was performed by two people some years ago. – underlined Bujara.

Another unionists and workers’ demand is a comprehensive supermarkets inspections by the State Labour Inspectorate to prevent and stop violations of the law.

more information can be found here: http://www.portalspozywczy.pl/handel/wiadomosci/pracownicy-hipermarketow...

http://www.solidarnosc.org.pl/aktualnosci/wiadomosci/branze/item/9323-ju...