A strike at the textile companies KALI AGRO and SLO.VI in Hencovce entered its second day and production at the facilities is at a standstill. “The strike in which 98 percent of 390 employees are involved continues. Even today, no one will work in the factory,” said Jozef Balica of the OZ KOVO trade union to the SITA newswire on the morning of August 26.
This is the first recent strike for higher wages in eastern Slovakia according to Balica, adding that it is significant that 98 percent of the employees joined the strike. Another protest assembly in front of the textile factory is planned for Friday, August 27 at 10:00. After the assembly, the strikers will move to the nearby town of Vranov nad Topľou where a protest march will be held in the town.
“We invite the Prime Minister, the Minister of Labour, and possibly MPs to come and stand with the striking women in Vranov since we heard that the cabinet session will be held in eastern Slovakia on Friday. Our women would certainly welcome it,” said Jana Polačšiková, a trade union leader in the factory.
According to the union, the strike of women from the hosiery producing textile firms in Hencovce has wide support of the public, not only among employees but also among entrepreneurs. Women from both hosiery producing textile firms started their strike on August 24 after negotiations failed to reach agreement on a wage increase for the employees.
Negotiations had started in March and talks involving a mediator appointed by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, and Family collapsed as well. The average net wage in the textile companies is €260, which represents an average gross wage of €320. The employees are demanding an increase in wages of €50 per month for all employees.
Source: SITA
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
