Mass redundancies at PKP CARGO S.A. as part of a restructuring plan

Priority question for written answer P-001954/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marlena Maląg (ECR), Kosma Złotowski (ECR)

Although Poland's rail market is the second biggest rail market in Europe in terms of size and value, PKP CARGO S.A. has embarked on a drastic restructuring. We have received alarming reports from the national section of the Solidarity Independent Trade Union of mass redundancies (over 3 700 planned lay-offs), serious breaches of the principles of social dialogue, and the dismissal of vulnerable groups despite their special status (pregnant women, employees who are in the protected pre-retirement period, trade union members). This situation has led to numerous protests in Poland.

We would like to know:

• 1.Is the Commission aware of the issue of mass redundancies at PKP CARGO S.A. as part of the company's restructuring and of how the process is being carried out, and if so, what steps will it take to help employees, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups?
• 2.Do the PKP CARGO S.A. employees laid off as part of the restructuring process qualify for EGF support?

Submitted: 4.10.2024