Valy factory in Valjevo to close, affecting 737 workers

The company Valy, part of the Italian Golden Lady group, has announced the closure of its production plant in Valjevo, Serbia. The facility, which has operated since 2001, is scheduled to cease operations by mid-December. The decision is part of a broader production reorganization within the country.

Management cited an economic crisis, declining sales in the European market, a significant drop in sales in Russia, and rising production costs, specifically regarding labor and electricity, as the primary reasons for the closure. The company plans to consolidate production activities at its plant in Loznica.

The closure affects 737 employees, many of whom are women. The situation is particularly sensitive as the workforce includes approximately 20 married couples, meaning some households could lose both sources of income. The Sloga trade union has warned of the severe economic impact on these families and called for workers to be transferred to the Loznica plant with paid transportation.

In response to these developments, the Nezavisnost trade union has rejected allegations from the Sloga union regarding its handling of the situation. Nezavisnost stated it has requested that the employer offer Valjevo employees the opportunity to transfer to Loznica or find employment with other local employers, while ensuring all legal obligations and collective agreements are met.