Poland’s rapidly expanding supermarket chain, dino Polska, is facing mounting pressure from its workforce amid allegations of challenging working conditions and inadequate benefits. The company, which now accounts for roughly a third of the Polish grocery market[[1]], has seen significant financial gains in recent years, but employees are now demanding improvements to address concerns ranging from workload to workplace health and safety. Labor union OPZZ Konfederacja Pracy has given the company until December 9th to respond to demands, raising the possibility of industrial action.
Polish supermarket chain Dino Polska has nearly 3,000 stores nationwide, employing approximately 54,500 people, but is facing potential labor unrest as employees demand better working conditions. The company, a significant player in the Polish retail market, has seen revenue climb 14.9% year-over-year during the first three quarters of 2024, reaching 24.7 billion Polish złoty (approximately $6.1 billion USD). Despite the financial success, a growing number of workers are voicing concerns about their treatment.
Employee Discontent Rises at Growing Polish Retailer
Workers are reporting heavy workloads and challenging conditions, contributing to high turnover rates. “The fact that our store constantly has a ‘help wanted’ sign up speaks volumes about how things are here,” said one Dino employee, Piotr, from a town in West Pomerania, according to reports. “As soon as someone starts, they usually quit after a month or two, and their responsibilities fall on the rest of the team – with no extra compensation.”
Employees also cite the lack of benefits such as holiday bonuses, vacation pay supplements, and hardship assistance as contributing factors to their dissatisfaction.
Concerns extend to workplace health, with employees claiming conditions contribute to frequent illness.
“The store is set to a fixed 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit), with no ability for employees to adjust it,” explained Martyna, another employee, in a report. “With the coolers running, like the dairy section, the temperature can drop to around 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). As a result, many people get sick frequently, or come to work sick because they can’t afford to take extended sick leave.”
One former employee, Małgorzata, described facing pressure to return to work even while injured. “I worked here for two and a half years. When I injured my knee and was on sick leave for two months, I received a phone call threatening disciplinary action if I didn’t return, so I resigned voluntarily.”
Trade union representatives from OPZZ Konfederacja Pracy, which began organizing within the company in November, emphasize that Dino, as a major employer with tens of thousands of workers, is legally obligated to establish a Social Benefits Fund. They argue that the absence of such a fund constitutes a violation of the law. The organization is requesting an official statement and action plan from management by December 9th.
If management fails to engage in discussions, union officials have warned they will initiate collective dispute proceedings and have not ruled out a strike.
Requests for comment have been directed to Dino Polska, and a response will be published when received.
