The Investigations Department of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Jelenia Góra has been conducting proceedings since May 14, 2007, into the malicious violation of the rights of employees of the “Biedronka” store chain. The company’s management in Poznań is accused of exposing its subordinates to the risk of death or serious harm to their health. The case concerns employees at 14 stores in Lubań, Bogatynia, Kowary, Lwówek Śląski, Bolesławiec, Zgorzelec, Zawidów and Jelenia Góra.
The findings indicate that working-time limits were exceeded at some of the chain’s stores. Employees did not receive overtime pay and underwent neither occupational health and safety training nor on-the-job instruction. People employed as cashier-salespersons were assigned to unload deliveries. They had to lift goods considerably heavier than the permissible limit, place them on shelves and clean the store.
The case is developing. More than 60 people have been questioned. The prosecution will still summon approximately 300 witnesses—employees of the chain’s stores. In addition, it has asked the National Labour Inspectorate to send inspection reports from checks conducted at “Biedronka,” as well as the Labour Divisions of District Courts for information about proceedings in which employees sought or are seeking to enforce their rights.
Charges of violating employee rights and certifying false information in documents will soon be brought against a group of people. These offenses are punishable by imprisonment for between 3 months and 5 years.
(information from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Jelenia Góra/GA)