Beko Europe Reaches Agreement with Trade Unions in Lodz and Wroclaw – Support for Employees Amid Restructuring Changes

  • Negotiations between the company and trade unions have led to the establishment of a comprehensive severance package for employees. 

  • Terms supporting workers through this transitional phase, along with the next steps, have been agreed upon. 

  • The strategic importance of Poland for production facilities in Radomsko and Wroclaw has been confirmed.

 

Beko Europe has successfully reached an agreement with trade union representatives regarding the planned restructuring of the refrigerator plant in Wroclaw and facilities in Lodz. This agreement is the constructive result of empathetic dialogue aimed at protecting the interests of employees during this transitional phase.

The agreements in both locations are based on a severance package for employees affected by the restructuring and are the result of Beko’s negotiations with employee representatives and trade unions. Consultations were conducted with the goal of ensuring employee well-being and respecting the workers who have significantly contributed to the company's success over the past decades.

During numerous intensive and multi-faceted consultations, both parties established the financial terms of the agreement, which are contingent on seniority and attendance of employees affected by collective redundancies.

“We want to thank the employee representatives and trade unions for the constructive dialogue and genuine commitment that made these agreements possible. We realize that this entire process is challenging but necessary to solidify a sustainable operational base in Poland, particularly through strengthening key production activities in the Radomsko and Wroclaw plants,” said Francesco Celentano, CEO of Beko Poland Manufacturing Ltd.

“These terms reflect our commitment to mitigating the impact of necessary layoffs and to providing employees with support that will ease their transition through this challenging professional period,” said Miroslawa Jachym-Krupa, Director of Human Resources, Northern Area, Beko Europe. “Our priority remains a responsible approach to the restructuring process, with full respect for employees' rights and concern for the welfare of those affected by these changes. We strive to provide the best possible support and exit conditions to everyone involved in this process,” she added.

The agreements in Wroclaw and Lodz encompass a broad range of employee support measures, including extensive severance packages tailored to length of service and attendance. In cooperation with local employment offices and authorities, Beko has implemented outplacement programs aimed at supporting those laid off in their swift return to the job market. Beko Europe also plans a series of additional initiatives in the field of professional reintegration to help employees transition smoothly into new career paths.

“After intense and demanding negotiations, we have managed to reach an agreement that provides substantial financial support for employees who will leave as part of this process. According to the arrangements, affected employees will receive severance packages well above the statutory minimum. This agreement is a mark of respect for their long-standing service and appreciation for their contribution to the development of the plant. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Board of Beko Poland Manufacturing Ltd., which demonstrated openness and understanding of the employees’ situation and agreed to exceptionally favorable severance terms. I also wish to emphasize the role of the negotiation team, which contributed to the efficient and substantive course of the discussions,” said Krzysztof Domagała, Chairman of MOZ NSZZ “Solidarność” in Wroclaw.

“The contents of the agreement can serve as an example for other employers and trade unions in Poland, setting high standards for cooperation in situations that require restructuring. I hope this inspires responsible approaches to social dialogue at the national and local levels,” added Wiesław Przybyłek, Chairman of MNSZZ OPZZ in Wroclaw.

“After difficult and intensive negotiations, we were able to reach an agreement with the Employer. Employees laid off in the collective redundancy process will receive severance payments at a satisfactory level, which will help secure them during this challenging period. I would like to thank the entire negotiating team for their hard and substantive work in achieving this agreement,” summarized Sebastian Grabarczyk, Chairman of mZK MSZZ "Solidarność."

“Although the negotiation process was demanding, we managed to reach an agreement that is satisfactory for the team. Many employees have been with the plant for a long time, and it will be a difficult change for them to find a new position on the job market. However, the agreement reached allows for a slightly more optimistic outlook on the future,” said Sławomir Owczarek, Chairman of the Inter-Plant Trade Union of Household Appliance Manufacturers for Lodz and Radomsko.

In the near future, Beko Europe will carry out actions in accordance with the schedule agreed upon by both parties. The restructuring aligns with Beko's long-term strategy to establish a sustainable operational base in Poland, particularly by strengthening key production activities at the Radomsko and Wroclaw plants. The company remains committed to Poland as a key location, continuing investments in Wroclaw and Radomsko to support its ongoing production and operational goals.

 

About Beko Europe

Beko Europe is a leading company in the household appliances sector, committed to changing the lives of our customers through a wide range of innovative and sustainable home products and solutions. 

It was founded in 2024 following an agreement between Arçelik and Whirlpool, with Arçelik owning 75% of the company and Whirlpool owning 25%. It benefits from over 60 years of leadership, innovation, and expertise in the household appliances industry. 

With over 20,000 employees, Beko Europe has 69 subsidiaries and 11 manufacturing sites across Europe, located in Cassinetta, Melano, Comunanza, and Siena in Italy; Wroclaw, Radomsko, and Lodz in Poland; Poprad in Slovakia; Yate in the United Kingdom; and Ulmi and Gaesti in Romania, with a production capacity of approximately 24 million appliances per year.