“We expect that the future president will uphold the pro-social solutions signed by President Andrzej Duda and the responsibility for social dialogue,” said Piotr Duda, chairman of NSZZ “Solidarność”, on RMF FM. The chairman also referred to group layoffs at PKP Cargo, the possible return of trading on Sundays and the shortening of the working week to four days.
“These are bad days, weeks and months.”
According to the chairman of NSZZ “Solidarność”, the authorities of PKP Cargo are dismissing pregnant women and people of pre-retirement age.
These are bad days, weeks and months for Polish employees who, for example, worked in state finance companies such as PKP Cargo or Poczta Polska, where mass layoffs are taking place. According to those in power, the best way to heal is to start with group layoffs. This is a kind of conspiracy, because PKP Cargo, for example, fires members of ‘Solidarity’. This is a declaration of war against NSZZ “Solidarność”. We can handle it. PKP Cargo lacks the usual form of consultation. Mr. Voivodship’s manager fires pregnant women, fires union activists who receive special protection, and fires pre-retirement age employees. We win subsequent cases in labor courts, the courts give the so-called protection. This shows what is happening in the country
– he said.
READ MORE: The jokes are over! Piotr Duda raises the alarm about the situation at PKP Cargo. How did he assess the actions of the company’s authorities? “Starting the war on solidarity”
On October 23, NSZZ “Solidarność” will take over the chairmanship of the Council for Social Dialogue. Piotr Duda announced that if talks with the government within the framework of RDS do not yield results, union members will be allowed to take to the streets to protest.
We want to utilize all possibilities within the social dialogue. From October 23, “Solidarity” will take over the chairmanship of the Council for Social Dialogue. As chairman, I will try to return to the normal functioning of RDS, which means conducting a social dialogue on very difficult issues. “Solidarity” will fight for every worker. He won’t give up. We want to use all opportunities for social dialogue. If it doesn’t work, we’ll take to the streets
– he added.
Presidential elections
The head of Solidarity revealed what he expects from the future president.
We expect that the future president will uphold the pro-social solutions signed by President Andrzej Duda and the responsibility for social dialogue
– he said.
According to the leader “Solidarity”, the United Right authorities should consult “Solidarity” on the choice of the candidate for next year’s presidential elections.
I am surprised that the United Right has not yet knocked on the door of ‘Solidarity’ and asked who we would support. If the right thinks it will win the presidential election without us, it is sorely mistaken
– he said.
READ ALSO: Michał Karnowski: PiS elections would be a mistake and the decision should be postponed. ‘Cut this chain of media storm and factional speculation’
Trade on Sundays and a four-day work week
Piotr Duda referred to the left’s ideas about liberalizing trade on Sundays and shortening the working week to four days.
Has anyone asked the Poles if they want to work on Sundays?
– he said and added:
You also need to ask yourself a question: who pays for the fifth day of work? We want to have free time and only work four days, but we want to earn as if we worked five days a week (…). The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, and even the very left, wants to introduce a four-day working week, but wants to put women behind the counter on Sundays who have no one to leave their children with? This is sick
– he noticed.
READ MORE: Petru praised in the Sejm the provision introducing Sunday trading. Only PiS and the left are absolutely against it
40th anniversary of the martyrdom of Fr. Popieluszko
The head of “Solidarity” recalled that 2024 is the year of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, and the priest is the patron of the association.
October 19 is a very important date for us. As members of “Solidarity” we gather at the grave of Fr. George, but also throughout the country, in all places. We commemorate the tragic death of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, because “Solidarity” in his daily work ensures that the places we remember, where Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko visited them, they are very important for us. I would like to remind you that a year ago, on October 10, during the National Congress of Delegates of “Solidarity”, representatives of the union announced that 2024 will be the year of Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko on the 40th anniversary of his martyrdom. For us, Father Jerzy Popiełuszko is one of the spiritual leaders after the Holy Father John Paul II, and that is why we try to take care of his history. Father Jerzy left us a strong foundation on which to build a better future for Polish workers
– he concluded.
READ ALSO: REPORT. Celebration of the 40th anniversary of the murder of Blessed priest Popiełuszko. In tribute to the martyr, a National Papal March will take place through the streets of the capital
dud/RMF FM
Source: wPolityce
Emma Matthew is a political analyst for “Social Bites”. With a keen understanding of the inner workings of government and a passion for politics, she provides insightful and informative coverage of the latest political developments.