There was no acceptance of the alternative
The deadline for reaching an agreement with the social partners on the terms of shortening the validity of the CBA was 31 July 2025. This was intended as an alternative to job cuts. The trade unions did not accept the management board's proposal to waive costly benefits that exceed the Labour Code, such as:
- higher sick pay of up to 100%
- extended notice periods (up to six months)
- contributions to the Company Social Benefits Fund for pensioners
- allowance for work performed on Sundays and public holidays during normal working hours
The management board points out that waiving these elements would have a similar financial impact to the planned redundancies and enable the new remuneration system to be implemented earlier.
"The reason for the redundancies at PKP CARGO S.A. in restructuring is the company's very poor financial condition, which poses a threat to its continued operation. The lack of demand for work, due to a significant decline in transport within the company, directly affects the need to reduce employment and implement optimisation measures in all areas of its operations," emphasised Agnieszka Wasilewska-Semail, President of the Management Board of PKP CARGO S.A. in restructuring.
The new organisational structure
Since 1 August, the company has been operating under a new organisational structure, with the head office and all seven plants merging to form a single employer (as RAILMARKET NEWS reported). This is intended to improve operational efficiency, increase effectiveness, and generate savings.
However, the organisational change requires a new 20-day consultation with the trade unions. The number of planned redundancies, the criteria for their implementation and the scope of exemptions remain unchanged from the previous arrangements.
Timetable and support for employees
The process of terminating employment contracts is expected to be completed by the end of September. At the same time, support measures for employees will be implemented, including assistance in finding employment with other railway companies.
"Despite the need to carry out this difficult process, we hope that the situation on the rail freight market will improve thanks to large-scale infrastructure investments, which will provide the necessary transport work for PKP CARGO S.A.'s restructuring staff," added Agnieszka Wasilewska-Semail.
The article was originally published on sektorkolejowy.pl
