We're beginning a two hour strike, during every shift.
We enter, clock in, change clothes and walk outside!
There is nothing to be afraid of!
The strike is completely legal.
The management was informed, in writing, the referendum was won,
even though the management tries to hinder our attempts at every step.
They're doing everything, everything to stop you from winning!
Hello, my name is Katarzyna Jamróz.
I'm the chairwoman of the Free Labour Union "Sierpień 80"
that's active here at Valeo in Chrzanów.
We produce lamps.
We're striking because the employer doesn't want to
give us appropriate wages.
From the emplyer we're expecting additional 1000 złoty [PLN],
introduction of a seniority allowance, because at this company
the allowance doesn't exist,
and an increase in supplement to the so called 'four-brigade system'.
It's a continuous system, where no matter if its a holiday,
or any other day, people have to spend their time at work
just to recieve 280 złoty gross. And we're fighting for 600.
Respect starts after a payout!
Just now, a second ago, we had to cut the fence to come to you.
Because, of course, in this 'labour camp' they will not allow anyone
to conduct a legal strike.
The company president, lying sprawled out on her armchair
doesn't see a problem with you standing next to the machines
for seven and a half or eight hours.
For her its not an issue.
They recieve government subsidies to continues operating their factories,
But all the yearly profits go to France.
Because this is a corporate group.
They want to starve you!
You're supposed to be their servants!
You're supposed to work non-stop!
But they're not willing to give you an appropriate wage,
so you can survive from the beginning till the end of the month!
That's not living, that's mere existence!
And so you have to walk out, unite,
show the workers from the morning [previous] shift
that you stand together.
One for all, all for one!
The company wants to pretend that it doesnt make money.
So that you won't come asking for raises and better working conditions.
You can't let them fool you. They are professional liars.
Professional liars I tell you!
I invite the management here, to come and have the courage
to look these workers in the eyes, and say that there is no money for them
to be able to live with dignity.
For them to be able to survive between paychecks
and not to have to sit in this kolkhoz six, seven days a week.
Working conditions are constantly violated here, at every step.
And the management, in their statements,
insists that labour law is respected.
Next week we're announcing a general strike.
Everyone will walk out.
And believe me, first ones to be sacked will be the management.
Because if the company realizes that its loosing millions
because of these idiots, who can't engage in discussion and can't show any respect,
they will be the first ones to go, not you.
It's you who keeps the company going.
All those billions that this conglomerate makes don't come from the work of
any of the higher ups, but from the work of each and every one of you,
breaking your back at the assembly line creates those billions!
Solidarity is our weapon and the bosses can get lost!
We came here from different places, from a different labour union,
but for us union distinctions are not as important
as is the mutual support of working people.
We're from Workers' Initiative labour union from Poznań, Wrocław, from Amazon,
from all kinds of workplaces, warehouses, factories.
Recently, we've won a strike in Gniezno.
The team at Jeremias [factory] lasted for fourty two days.
And during that time there were many breaking points, moments of doubt.
And then a team that won a strike a year earlier, said:
"Now you can't stop, now the only way is forwards.
and even if you had to chew plaster from the walls
you must go all the way to victory!"
This is that one moment in your life, when you can finally show you dignity
to those bastards that make millions from your hard labour,
while you work for almost a minimum wage!
And so this is the moment, to show yourself, and your families, friends
and especially those assholes in the management,
that we've got dignity!
Thanks to Monika Bryk and Tomáš Rafa for lending us the recording equipment.