Trade unions organized a picket outside Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec”. The dispute concerns differences in the treatment of employees hired under the time-based (hourly) and piece-rate systems. Union members argue that piece-rate workers are treated worse, and that more than half of them do not even reach the minimum wage, receiving only supplements to bring their pay up to that level. Around 30 employees protested.
“Unfortunately, the president does not understand what social dialogue is or what it involves, and blames the employees for all his failures,” the protesters say. “As employees, we identify with the company and are bitter about how people who have worked at the plant for years are treated. Even with 30 years of service, they have to work under the piece-rate system,” they add.
Agata Rusiecka, chairwoman of the Trade Union of Employees of Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec”, emphasizes that all matters concerning remuneration should be agreed upon with trade unions. In her view, dialogue was absent in this case, leading to an escalation of the conflict and the organization of the picket. The situation highlights the tensions associated with implementing new remuneration systems and the need to consult employee representatives.
Conflict on the Eve of Bolesławiec’s Largest Ceramic Fair
Zakłady Ceramiczne „Bolesławiec” is the oldest ceramics company in the city, launched in 1946 on the site of the pre-war Reinhold & Co. factory. It is also one of the largest plants in Bolesławiec; only two other companies are comparable in size: Manufaktura and Spółdzielnia Rękodzieła Artystycznego Ceramika Artystyczna.
The traditional Bolesławiec Ceramic Festival will begin in just over two weeks. It is one of the largest handicraft fairs in Poland and the largest ceramic fair in Europe. Before the August festival, ceramic plants from Bolesławiec and the surrounding area produce enormous quantities of goods to sell during the five-day fair, and thousands of tourists visit Bolesławiec at that time.
The employees protesting today announced that, although no decision has yet been made, they have not ruled out protests in August during the Bolesławiec Ceramic Festival.