At a time when the defence sector is receiving massive public financial support, Polish employers have decided to abandon the collective agreement that guarantees good working conditions and fair pay. This case shows once again why the unprecedented levels of public funding being mobilised for defence must be accompanied by strong social conditionalities. Public money must be used to protect and create quality jobs in Europe.

"European taxpayers are investing billions in the defence industry. That public money must deliver quality jobs and respect for collective bargaining, not reward employers who walk away from social dialogue. Public investment must always come with strong social conditionalities," said industriAll Europe Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Barthès.

The employers' decision undermines the social compromise that has been built in the Polish defence and aerospace sector since 1996. It jeopardises the social peace secured by stable working conditions and remuneration guaranteed through collective bargaining. The result will be lower standards, unequal competition and growing social unrest.

IndustriAll Europe is particularly concerned that this decision has been taken at an extremely difficult geopolitical moment, when all actors should assume their responsibility. Instead, the Association of Employers of Defence and Aviation Industry (ZPPPO) has chosen to abandon the agreement.
At the same time, major investments in armaments and Poland's defence sector, through both the Polish national budget and the EU's SAFE mechanism, require the industry to significantly increase its production capacity. This cannot happen without the commitment of workers, which depends on stable employment and attractive jobs.

The employers' decision also runs counter to Poland's obligations under the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages. The Directive requires Member States to promote collective bargaining and increase its coverage to 80%, not to terminate collective agreements. Despite this situation, the Polish Labour Ministry has stated that it does not intend to intervene to support the workers.

"This is no time for confrontation. At a moment when Europe's defence industry is expanding with unprecedented public support, employers should be strengthening social dialogue, not abandoning it. The trade unions are ready to negotiate. We call on employers to return to the bargaining table and agree a solution that protects workers while taking into account the legitimate interests of both sides," said industriAll Europe Deputy General Secretary Isabelle Barthès.

IndustriAll Europe has alerted the European Commission and the European Parliament to this particularly worrying case. Together with our 200 affiliates, we will continue to support our Polish members in their struggle to secure a collective agreement in the defence and aerospace sector.