WORKERS at the Slovak arm of the German car manufacturer Volkswagen are on the verge of a strike, with representatives of employees embroiled as contract negotiations have stalled.
"We're unable to arrive at agreement," labour union head Zoroslav Smolinsky told the TASR newswire. Aside from other demands, unions want salary hikes for workers.
The current collective agreement 9,400 workers at three facilities in Bratislava, Martin and Košice is valid through March.
"When taking into consideration the record-setting economic results, we find it sad that the company management doesn't care for its employees and is not contemplating a slight salary hike," Smolinsky said as quoted by TASR. The average gross monthly salary in Volkswagen Slovakia is more than €1,500 per month.
The talks are dragging out without any tangible results, Smolinsky said.
"Even when there was a sign of some progress, the employer has always hindered any potential consensus with his demands," he said.
Company spokesman Vladimir Machalik reiterated that Volkswagen will release a statement only after the talks end.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Michaela Terenzani from press reports.
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information
presented in its Flash News postings.
