Conflict at Fiat Poland

Amsterdam, 24 March 2005

Dear brothers and sisters,

From the trade union “Solidarnóst” at the FIAT factory in Bielsko Biala, Poland, we have received a request for solidarity with their struggle with a management that tries to exclude and marginalize them.

From the beginning of the year 2005 the Polish trade unions at Fiat in Bielsko Biala are in negotiation with the company about a new collective agreement for 2005. The trade unions have demanded a wage rise of 55 euro per month. Their argument is that Fiat Poland has made a good profit last year. But Fiat management refuses this proposal with the argument that Fiat
is running large losses in Italy and that under these circumstances it cannot afford a wage rise in Poland. This argument is not being accepted by the trade union “Solidarity”, because the wage level at Fiat Poland is only a third from the wage level at Fiat in Italy, while productivity and
quality are the same.

On 25 February Fiat has reached an agreement with the minority unions at Fiat on a very meager wage rise ( 27 euro per month), while the Christmas bonus which until now is guaranteed would in the future depend on the results of the enterprise.

“Solidarity” has refused to sign this agreement and has asked management to continue the negotiations, according to the Polish law. But Fiat refuses to speak any further with “Solidarity” and insists that this trade union should accept the agreement reached with the other unions.

Fiat has informed the workers via the company radio that they will now not receive a wage rise due to “Solidarity”. When Solidarity asked to be allowed to present its point of view, management has refused them access to the company radio. “Solidarity” has now informed the workers through
leaflets. Management has also intimidated white-collar workers and insisted that they leave “Solidarity”.

The trade union “Solidarity” at Fiat Poland asks you to send protest faxes to Fiat management in Turin and to Fiat Poland in Bielsko Biala, demanding an end to the discrimination of “Solidarity” and a continuation of the negotiations with the trade union, according to Polish law.

They ask you to send copies to “Solidarity” and the Polish press agency PAP.

With fraternal greetings,

Jan Cartier
Coordinator
TIE-Netherlands
Paulus Potterstraat 20
1071 DA Amsterdam
tel: (+31)-20-6642191
fax: (+31)-20-6730179
E-mail: tie@antenna.nl

Draft letter:

To the President of FIAT Spa
Torino, Italy
Fax: +39-011-6861802

Dear Sir,

We have been informed by our brothers and sisters of the trade union “Solidarity” at Fiat Poland that Fiat management at Bielsko Biala refuses to continue negotiations with them on an acceptable collective agreement, that you deny them access to company facilities to communicate with their
members. We believe such an attitude does not contribute to the international reputation of your company.

We urge you to take the necessary steps to insure that Fiat management continues its negotiations with “Solidarity” in good faith until an agreement has been reached that is acceptable to both management and the trade unions.

We would appreciate to be informed about further steps from your side.

Yours sincerely,

Signed:

To the Director of FIAT Poland
Bielsko Biala, Poland
Fax: +48-33-8134034

Dear Sir,

We have been informed by our brothers and sisters of the trade union “Solidarity” at Fiat Poland that you refuse to continue negotiations with them on an acceptable collective agreement, that you deny them access to company facilities to communicate with their members. We believe such an attitude does not contribute to the international reputation of your company.

We urge you to reassume negotiations with “Solidarity” in good faith until an agreement has been reached that is acceptable to both management and the trade unions.

We would appreciate to be informed about further steps from your side.

Yours sincerely,

Signed:

Please send copies of your protest to:

Ms. Scruzik
President NSZZ Solidarnosc
At FIAT Poland
Fax: +48-33-8132751

Press Agency PAP
Bielsko Biala, Poland
Fax: +48-33-8134034