Employees at the MAN factory in Niepołomice, near Krakow, produce up to 105 vehicles per shift, exceeding their colleagues in Germany by more than double. However, significant disparities in salaries and bonuses persist, leading to frustration among the Polish workforce, as reported by Gazeta Wyborcza.
A representative from the MAN Trucks union in Niepołomice stated that in mid-June, leaders from Munich visited the factory. During the meeting, they announced that Polish workers would receive a gross bonus of 1,500 PLN this year. In contrast, the bonus for employees at the German MAN factory will reach 1,632 euros per person, nearly 7,000 PLN. “This is five times more than in Poland,” the union representative emphasized.
Negotiations have so far been unsuccessful. “We were told they didn’t come to negotiate but to announce their decision. We felt humiliated,” recounted one worker.
Furthermore, the tension among the workforce has escalated following revelations that students working at the German facility will receive a bonus of 365 euros, equivalent to what experienced workers earn in Poland.
Potential Strike on the Horizon
Union representatives are warning that if the situation does not improve, they are prepared to strike. They are currently drafting a protocol of discrepancies and preparing to initiate collective bargaining with the employer, demanding a bonus of 5,000 PLN.
In a statement sent to the media, workers emphasized that they do not seek privileges but rather a fair share of the fruits of their labor and the implementation of consistent bonus criteria across the capital group. They urge management for clear and transparent criteria for awarding bonuses and the elimination of unjustified disparities.
In response to inquiries about the pay discrepancies, the MAN press office explained that the level of benefits is adjusted to the wage levels in each respective country.
At the same time, the company announced a significant investment in the Niepołomice plant, aiming to make it one of the largest and most modern truck production facilities in Europe.
