The protest organizers are demanding a PLN 1,200 pay rise for the chain’s employees and an immediate end to violations of labor law. The protest is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 14 (a trading Sunday) and last two hours, from 12:00 to 14:00. During that time, employees are to stop working.

As stated on the social media accounts of OPZZ Konfederacja Pracy:

A serious dispute over pay levels and working conditions is escalating at Kaufland, which has more than 247 stores in Poland and employs approximately 16,000 people. (...) OPZZ Konfederacja Pracy is demanding a PLN 1,200 gross increase in base pay for every employee. Despite the talks that have begun, no agreements have been reached with the employer.

In the trade union’s view, the course of the mediation justifies the assessment that it will not lead to a resolution of the dispute within the deadline. Recently, the union representatives asked the employer’s side for an urgent last-chance meeting, seeking solutions based on dialogue. In response to the lack of progress, OPZZ Konfederacja Pracy at Kaufland announced preparations for a nationwide warning strike, which is scheduled to take place on December 14, 2025, a trading Sunday. The protest will last two hours, from 12:00 to 14:00. During this time, employees will have the full right to stop performing their duties.

It is not yet known whether the strike will actually take place, what its scale will be, or whether Kaufland employees in Bolesławiec will join the action. OPZZ union representatives announce that the Sunday action could be the beginning of a larger collective dispute and preparation for a referendum on a general strike.

How has Kaufland responded?

In a statement issued by Kaufland and published on Portal Spożywczy, the chain expressed surprise at the situation. According to the chain, mediation is still ongoing, and the next meeting has been scheduled for December 15. The chain claims that the escalation in communication by OPZZ contradicts its declared commitment to dialogue and assurances that the organization is not seeking a strike. In addition, the union’s latest actions are increasing tensions instead of supporting constructive talks.

Kaufland has therefore decided to implement its annual pay rises unilaterally. Employees are currently being informed about the rules of this process, while details regarding the scale and amounts are to be announced soon.

More information is available on Portal Spożywczy