Kia Slovakia Union Declares Dispute over Collective Agreement (2)

Zilina, 6 February (TASR) - The KOVO Kia Zilina trade union has declared a dispute over the conclusion of a collective agreement on 28 January as regards an increase in base salaries in 2026, TASR was told on Friday by Martin Cech, chairman of the trade union at car manufacturer Kia Slovakia in Zilina. While the union is seeking a €250-per-month increase, the employer is proposing a zero increase for a significant part of the employees, according to Cech. The trade union declared the dispute after five rounds of collective bargaining that failed to achieve satisfactory results in salary growth despite intensive discussions. "The trade union organisation agreed to a compromise regarding the duration of the collective agreement, namely a period of three years. However, the employer continues to submit proposals for salary increases that, in the trade union's view, don't match the current or expected future productivity of employees," said Cech. He added that the trade union is ready to be a partner for the employer in ensuring compliance with legislation in terms of equal pay for equal work. "However, this agenda can't be implemented to the detriment of employees. This is currently taking place in cases in which the employer suggests topping up base salaries for some employees, while others have been proposed a zero increase in the base salary component," stressed the trade union leader. The union also failed to find common ground with the employer regarding an increase in severance pay in cases of redundancy. "As it wasn't possible to move forward with the negotiations, the trade union organisation was forced to ask the Labour Ministry to appoint a mediator. Even during the dispute, we remain open to a correct and constructive dialogue," added Cech. Kia Slovakia spokesman Tomas Potocek confirmed that the declaration of a dispute came after five rounds of collective bargaining. "We are currently waiting for further steps from the social partner and the ministry. Subsequently, the name of the mediator will be communicated to both parties," said Potocek. According to him, the company remains ready to continue negotiations in order to reach a balanced agreement that will take into account the needs of employees as well as the sustainable development of the company. "Salaries in Kia Slovakia exceed 140 percent of the average salary in the Zilina region. Despite this, Kia Slovakia has proposed further salary increases that are already higher than the market average, while also offering a special one-off bonus," said the carmaker's spokesman. As regards the union's demand to increase severance pay, Potocek said that ensuring employment stability is one of the company's top priorities. "Even during global crises, such as economic slowdown or the pandemic, we've maintained jobs without mass layoffs, thereby contributing to the stability of the economy at regional and national level," concluded Potocek. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final four paragraphs. jrg