Poland: IFJ and EFJ Support Bauer Media Workers Demanding Fair Wages and Labor Rights

September 12, 2024 – Poland –

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) have joined forces with German media union dju/ver.di and Poland’s Society of Journalists to support workers at Bauer Publishing House Poland and its affiliate AKPA Agency. Employees are demanding improved pay and working conditions, citing low wages, lack of social benefits, and unfair salary structures amid soaring inflation.

Since March 2024, staff at the two media companies have been engaged in negotiations with management, demanding three key reforms: a monthly salary increase of 1,000 Polish złoty (approximately €200), the creation of a Company Social Benefits Fund as required by law, and the implementation of a transparent and equitable salary grid. While management has agreed to establish the salary grid, they have rejected the other two demands. Workers argue that their current earnings remain barely above Poland’s legal minimum wage, despite a cumulative inflation rate exceeding 38% since 2020.

After three failed rounds of negotiations, the dispute has moved to mediation, with the next session scheduled for September 16, 2024. Union representatives have expressed a willingness to compromise—proposing a reduced benefits fund at 75% of the statutory requirement and a phased approach to salary increases—but the company has yet to agree.

The IFJ and EFJ condemned the situation, noting that the relocation of jobs from higher-wage countries like Germany to lower-wage regions like Poland must not come at the expense of workers’ rights. They emphasized that fair compensation and workplace protections are essential to maintaining the integrity of journalism and the sustainability of the media sector.

The unions have pledged full support for Bauer workers, including backing strike action if necessary. They warn that failing to address these concerns could undermine journalistic independence and violate European labor standards.

This case reflects a broader trend of labor exploitation within transnational media corporations, and journalists’ unions across Europe are rallying to ensure that newsroom workers in all countries receive fair and dignified treatment.

Reference – 

Poland: IFJ and EFJ back De Bauer Media Group workers’ demands for decent working conditions – IFJ