Grupa Azoty faces wage demands and strike threat as profits rise

Two workers' unions at Grupa Azoty Puławy presented a list of 13 demands, including a net salary increase of 1,500 zł by 1 September and a lump‑sum bonus equal to the national average wage. The unions warned that failure to meet the demands within a seven‑day deadline could lead to a collective dispute and a strike. Grupa Azoty said it is analysing the proposals while it works to stabilise its financial and operational situation after posting a net profit of 27.4 million zł in Q1 2024, compared with a loss of 88.1 million zł a year earlier.

At the group’s Siarkopol subsidiary, revenues from sulfur sales jumped 163 % year‑on‑year in Q1, driven by historically high global sulfur prices and supply constraints. Despite the improved results, employees have called for wage increases and criticised the group's cash‑pooling system, which they say diverts cash generated by Siarkopol to other group companies. Management noted that any wage decisions must be made at the group level and linked to sustained financial performance, and that cash pooling has helped maintain liquidity during difficult periods.