First collective agreement with hospital group
At the end of January services union ver.di signed the first company collective agreement with Sana Kliniken, a group of hospitals. The agreement covers around 6,000 employees and the union declared that it will mean that future pay and working conditions will be more transparent and can be assessed in terms of equal opportunities. The agreement will run for 24 months. Ver.di said that it will not only mean a substantial pay increase for many employees but that those with young children will be helped out with a Euro 100-a-month contribution to childcare costs.
Gas firm rejects union demand
On 23 February, gas monopolist PGNiG PGNI.WA stated to have rejected trade unions’ demand for an 11% pay increase in 2009, of which 5.5% to be paid in the first half of the year, “Taking into account the economic situation in Poland and the financial situation of the company.” The unions in turn have decided to start a collective dispute with the company, a first step towards a potential strike.
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIntegratedOilGas/idUSLN71379020090223