Biedronka workers prepare strike referendum amid labor dispute

Employees at the Biedronka retail chain are preparing for a strike referendum following an escalating collective dispute with management. Gabriela Kaim, chairwoman of the Solidarność union at Biedronka, stated that workers are facing extreme physical and mental exhaustion due to severe staffing shortages and low wages.

Union representatives report that many stores are operating with only two or three employees per shift, forcing staff to manage checkout counters, self-service stations, and stock replenishment simultaneously. This shortage has reportedly led to an increase in sick leave and customer complaints regarding empty shelves and disorganized store layouts. Workers have also alleged pressure from management regarding service speeds and threats of termination.