In the interview, we will discuss the public image of the councillor, who always presented himself as a true Pole and Catholic, and talk about bullying as a phenomenon: its impact on employees and employers. In Bolesławiec, there have been several situations in which employees of municipal companies accused their employers of mistreatment.

Psychologist Justyna Marcinkowska:

A person’s social image is the way that person is perceived and is strongly linked to social authority. The loss of one’s image and authority may be associated with online hate.

Rebuilding one’s image is similar to rebuilding trust. It is easy to lose and difficult to rebuild. This may take from several months to several years.

Bullying refers to persecution and psychological abuse. Bullying is a relative concept. For some people, certain behaviour is bullying; for others, it is not.

Our sense of shame is shaped by social norms. We learn certain customs and habits at home. The two sides may agree on how the toilet is to be used.

Attorney Wojciech Kasprzyk:

I am interested in this case. I know as much about the trial itself as the media report. It is difficult for me to comment because I know both Mr Dariusz and Ms Ewa. We worked together for many years. We will see how this case ends.

A managerial position is always subject to the risk of being liked or disliked. Bullying must be distinguished from discipline. Many people do not distinguish between the two. The court examines whether acts occurred that exceeded acceptable practices.

These are serious allegations. If what the prosecution alleges is proven, it could have serious consequences. Bullying consists of repeated acts of psychological violence. In my opinion, urinating in front of others is not bullying.

In 2009, director Dariusz Jośko had to face allegations of violating employees’ rights at the Municipal Sports and Recreation Centre. The District Prosecutor’s Office discontinued the proceedings. “We found no grounds to charge Dariusz Jośko,” commented the district prosecutor at the time, Adam Zieliński.

Also in 2009, employees of the Municipal Social Welfare Centre became involved in a dispute with its director, Małgorzata Dłużyk. The mayor dismissed Małgorzata Dłużyk in November 2011. As the reason, he cited the unreliable conduct of a tender and the loss of the ability to properly manage the unit, allegedly evidenced by the conflict with the staff. The District Court in Bolesławiec accepted the mayor’s arguments. Małgorzata Dłużyk appealed the judgment and was awarded compensation.

In 2015, BOK–MCC director Ewa Lijewska-Małachowska was involved in a dispute with employees. The matter ended in negotiations. During the negotiations, it was established that there had been no discrimination whatsoever by the employer against employees affiliated with NSZZ “Solidarity”. At the union members’ request, the director changed the scope of bonuses awarded.