I talked to Laura Akai about this case. She said to me that the case they try to make against Kuba is so stupid, she said even she couldn't believe lawyers would write something like that court papers. But big part of arguments she says is attempt of lawyers to use anti-union stereotypes what we see is common now in the newspapers. Every boss is trying now to fire the unionists, especially strikers. They make a propaganda about the unions are parasites who destroy the business. Now some workers repeat this stupid rightist ideology. Laura said that the labor court is OK until now but new government wants to change it to be on the side of companies, not workers. She said that problem with courts now is that judges had some work problems, even warning strike and she heard they leave the work and start putting the new judges who are prejudice. She thinks in normal situation they have to win but maybe they try to make political circus. Current solidarity campaign shows who can be friend of Kuba and company is afraid of this. It's a bad time for union work in Poland. But some cases ended OK. Some of strikers from Budryk who were fired got back to work. Also happy is Piotr Krzyzaniak, although victory isn't big. He got fired from the hipermarket "Auchan". They made accusation he stole and made the discipline firing on him. They decided to cancel that accusation but he didn't get job back or the compensation. So Piotr made deal to end case. Kuba refused to make deal with boss for the principle. But Polish courts are very slow and bad organized so not everybody want to insist on their rights and it's common union busting technique to make bad deal and not take worker back.
Join an international week of protests against the labour practices of Lionbridge corporation
Well, I did say that, but even a prejudiced judge would have to be completely biased to listen to that nonsense. In any case, I'm not a fan of legalistic solutions, but the employees at Lionbridge want to do things by the book, so you have to respect the majority in such a situation if you don't want it to degenerate into vanguardism like most other unions. So we'll take part in this legal spectacle and see how it turns out.
In the meanwhile, the effect of the company's action seems to be the further demoralization of the employees. (They haven't learned the "don't mourn" lesson yet.) Quite a number of people have left the company in the past couple of months and others are looking for new jobs. On the other hand, disgruntled employees from around the globe are thinking about what they can do.
Thanks very much to the comrades from Priama Akcia for the active support! We know that the mentality of people in Slovakia can be even harder to deal with than in Poland in terms of labour issues. Slovakia is famous in Poland for being the place that always promises foreign investors to be cheaper than here and probably most people feel like they'd better just shut up and be good wage slaves.
Kickoff of internationl week of actions against anti-union practices of Lionbridge. Join too!
On Monday 30th June Priama akcia – IWA Slovakia organised the second protest action in the seat of Slovak branch of Lionbridge or as Irish folks called it - „Lying Bridge“. First news show that the action week initiated in cooperation with Polish anarchosyndicalists slowly brings its first results. What is needed now is to push even harder before 4.7.2008 when the trial starts!
Events in Žilina, Slovakia
This was our second action in Žilina branch of Lionbridge (first was in March together with International Secretary of IWA/AIT). We went to 3rd and 9th floor where LB operates. On the 3rd floor we met with a few employees, had a talk and spread leaflets.
Then we went to 9th floor where management seats to express our protest against the practices of the company and to show our support of Jakub and to give them small present (hanged lion with the Lionbridge name to stress that the company is digging its own grave; to see photo see original article here http://www.priamaakcia.sk/?action=view_article&id=439). In the hall a person who introduced himself as Vítězslav Šišlák approached us. We asked if we can meet with the manager, to which we received the reply that there is nobody there who could have time to meet us. We knew that the Polish manager was not there. However, several things showed us that the Slovak manager was there and that he just cowardly sent this stooge. We didn’t want to leave that easily, especially after this arrogant dealing with the guy saying „and now please leave“. However, we left after a while (that, we think, was a mistake). We handed out our present for the management. The guy said: “I hope there is no bomb in it” so we at least had a good laugh. We also noticed a felt pen sign next to the entry doors on the 9th floor saying “Readmission for Jakub!“ that made the management so angry that Priama akcia received an e-mail from the owner of the building (not LB) that we are not welcome there anymore because of this.
At the parking place we spread some leaflets to windscreen wipers and left the place with thoughts what was done wrong and right.
We would like to thank non-PA members for support of the action.
Events in Warsaw
In our article Join an international week of protests against the labour practices of Lionbridge corporation we wrote about ways to help in the case of dismissed unionist Jakub G and other details.
Today, 2nd July, just 3rd day of the action week, we can clearly see the first results of international pressure. Moreover, the Polish management received info about the 4th July solidarity demo in front of the Warsaw company office. Their response? Panic in the Warsaw branch. In other words, a crisis meeting was called in a hurry to find what to do. One of results is that they want to block the case from getting to mass media. Also last week’s visit by the Labour Inspection that was interested in Jakub’s case was stressful for the management. It seems the Lion doesn’t like publicity. Which we will give it with pleasure;)
For those who want to know more about the background and concrete lawsuit matters, we refer to articles from the website of Union of Polish Syndicalists Czy publiczne informacje mogą być tajemnicą firmy? and O sprawie.
Events worldwide
Besides our action on 30th June and international call for solidarity that caused many e-mails and other forms of protest by individuals and organizations, there will be other actions. For example in Madrid, Dublin, Copenhagen and Warsaw on the 4th of July. Check news at the website of the Union of Polish Syndicalists. There are also connections being made with translator's associations which are interested in the case. For example, the Irish ITIA published info about Jakub’s case. International pressure with actions directly in Poland shows itself to be a strong weapon that will lead to successful outcome. The fact is that Lionbridge management knows well they have no chance to win the court case.
The campaign goes on! And you can still easily join
Lionbridge thought that Jakub wouldn't defend himself. They were wrong. Now it is important to put such a pressure, that they immediately give in and accept Jakub’s readmission. They have to feel that lawsuit will only hurt their reputation and that they cannot act towards unions like that. That’s why we again appeal to show your solidarity. We believe you can find a few spare minutes and we want to say thanks beforehand for that. Just click on article Join an international week of protests... and you will learn how to do it.
Priama akcia
Yesterday there was an action in Brussels and today in Paris made by the CNT-AIT. I don't have many details except that there may have been some words exchanged in Paris and that the Brussels folks found a much smaller office than the Polish branch. That's because the really big branches, the ones with the growth, are in the cheap countries. Although it has offices all over the world. almost half of the workers are in India, China and Poland. India is by far it's largest office and not long ago the company decided o triple its workforce there. Last year it decided to reduce people in Europe, this year also. So no surprise that Brussels had a smaller office than in Poland!
Also another thing: since most of the people who do Lion's core business work from home, many of the people in the offices are somehow doing "coordination" and other work. So those people probably will have a different attitude. Right now, most of the letters from Lion "employees" we've been getting are from the freelance workers. Most of them complain that the company doesn't pay them on time.
So it's very interesting how the people who actually do the work are not "employees" and employees are separated from those people, mentally and physically.
The actions are continuing. There were actions in Brussels, Paris and Portugal. In the meantime, it seems that somebody leaked an internal letter about our friend in the comments on Indymedia Ireland yesterday.
The letter basically repeats the untrue allegations and claims that it doesn't ming having a union but that, by making protests etc. over the unfair dismissal, the company is being damaged and the (financial) security of each worker is being threatened. It's of course disgusting. It also, at least for me, shows clear discrimination against anarchists. The letter isn't signed. It may have been written by the country manager. He was an active anti-communist in the past and this scene in general was trying to make purges of leftists from work, in particular there were many firings in education based on political leanings. But there is no proof of any connection between this guy's politics and this discrimination.
That's nice. In Poland even one of the Tri-Partite unions acted also and a representative will be at the case, as well as some journalists from the mainstream media and a few people from human rights organizations. Of course the company's tactic will be to try to marginalize J. with old-fashioned red-baiting. It's pathetic.
Thanks for the solidarity everybody.
BTW, freelancers from all over the world have been writing and complaining that the company doesn't pay them on time and asking about how they can go about improving this situation.
Have been informed that Dublin workers received mail ordering them not to talk to the dangerous anarchists at the demo tomorrow. The workers in Poland were told that since the demo was during working hours, going would mean leaving their work place - an offense presumably punishable by the strictes of disciplinary actions.
Have been informed that Dublin workers received mail ordering them not to talk to the dangerous anarchists at the demo tomorrow. The workers in Poland were told that since the demo was during working hours, going would mean leaving their work place - an offense presumably punishable by the strictest of disciplinary actions.
Yesterday was the action in Warsaw and other cities. Warsaw was raining so much it was very hard. Court case was delayed. Kuba was accused of stealing the information about company income but this is public information, I saw all the proofs. This was only accusation company made, so Lionbridge has no way to win. They try now to make the black PR against Kuba and even tried to bring the new evidence to court that he is enemy of the firm - interview with Priama Akcia about case. You can't bring the new facts from after the dismissal to try to prove retroactive that you were justified to fire!!!!! Judge of course didn't allow this stupid attempt.
Very funny was boss of Lionbridge who told reporters about wrong treating of toy lion by Priama Akcia in Zilina and about persecution of him by "Communist International". I think they got very very paranoid. Company called police to protect them and there were four cars of the riot police at protest, probably more police than protestors. It was very funny day for us, but probably not for company or employees who maybe got scared by exaggerated reaction of police and boss.
It would be great if people here could spread this info and participate in any way. And perhaps then write here what you did or what ideas you have.
Join an international week of protests against the labour practices of Lionbridge corporation
On 4thJuly 2008, a trial starts between Jakub G. and the Polish branch of Lionbridge (LB). From 30th June till 6th July there will be a week of actions around the world against anti-union practices of LB. The case may be critical to syndicalist activities not only in Poland but also globally. Priama akcia (IWA/AIT Slovakia) would like to ask you to show your solidarity with Jakub in Poland. There are several ways to do so in each country.
WHAT TO DO
No matter what you do, it is important to do it, if possible, before 4th July so that info about what you did will hit the Warsaw branch before the trial starts.
1) ORGANISE ACTION in front of LB branch in your city and/or PAY A VISIT to the management
Any actions directly at LB branches are more than welcome. It doesn't have to be dozens of people. A small group of friends can organize ultrafast and put a pressure easily as well. Check out http://www.lionbridge.com/lionbridge/en-US/company/locations.htm for seats of LB branches worldwide.
2) SPREAD INFORMATION THROUGH INTERNET (chats, mailing lists, discussion forums...)Many people spend some time online daily and have favourite chats, forums or mailing lists. Some also might know about specialized forums for IT folks, interpreters, unionists etc. Sending information to all kinds of online discussion platforms may have several positive effects:
* It can bring info about the case to people and show that we can do something to defend ourselves against employers
* It can be a good impulse to discuss the theme.
* The name of the company gets into circulation and that can be a signal for example for IT workers' or interpreters' community to be careful when looking for a job in such a company.
As a model message could be used perhaps this (or modification of course):
You might have heard about a trial that takes place in Warsaw on 4th July 2008 between Lionbridge corporation and a unionist Jakub G. Lionbridge is a transnational corporation offering localization of software and other services. It has branches on several continents, mostly in Europe, USA, India and China.
In the beginning of 2008 Jakub G. was fired from Polish branch in Warsaw because he founded a union together with his colleagues. The company said that he is author of an article telling about Dublin LB taking over a contract for interpreting for Irish Courts that led to the decrease of the position of professional interpreters and to lower wages. However, this information, including revenues and wages of interpreters, is publicly accessible on the internet – including on the Lionbridge website, newspapers and bulletins of interpreters' unions. This was clearly a pretext to fire a trade-union organizer.
Before the trial starts there is going to be an international week of actions for readmission of Jakub that anyone can easily join. For more info click here http://www.priamaakcia.sk/?action=view_category&id=94.
It would be interesting to know whether you've seen similar problems at your workplace, or whether you have experience with attempts to divide project managers and the rest of interpreters in such companies. Or whether you have similar experiences which have not been publicized (tell us how things were solved).
Here you have info what the case is about: http://laborrightsblog.typepad.com
Here is a link to an action in support of the dismissed employee: http://www.priamaakcia.sk/?action=view_article&id=406
Perhaps the most interesting is the interview with Jakub here: http://www.priamaakcia.sk/?action=view_article&id=413
There are other interesting matters, and perhaps someone here even works or worked for LB.
3) SEND E-MAIL, LETTER, FAX
Contact for Warsaw branch responsible for the firing:
Lionbridge Poland
183 Jutrzenki St.
02-231 Warsaw
Poland
Tel: +48 22 865 99 00
Fax: +48 22 865 99 30
e-mail: jacek.stryczynski@lionbridge.com
Send a copy of the e-mail and/or the fax also to the union: info@zsp.net.pl
Contacts for other national branches can be found here: http://www.lionbridge.com/lionbridge/en-US/company/locations.htm
Fax can include for example this text:
Greetings,
I am aware of the dismissal of Jakub G., employee of Warsaw branch of Lionbridge, because of his union activities. I appeal to Lionbridge to immediately stop the practices that lead to the suppression of basic employee rights and I demand his readmission.
I will inform my friends and the general public about this case by different means.
You must be aware that Jakub is going to win in the court. Do not jeopardize your current reputation and your clients! Accept that you made a mistake and reinstate Jakub! Respect basic employee rights, such as the right to form a trade-union! Your company will be judged on how it respects employee rights.
NAME + CITY + COUNTRY
4) CONTACT THE BRANCH
Usually there are procedures to inform a central branch of the company in such cases, thus this form of protest has a similar impact as if you were directly protesting in Warsaw!
Call and ask the manager to come to the phone in the matter of the company’s employee in Poland. Tell that you know about the dismissal case in Warsaw and you are indignant at what the company did and demand the immediate readmission of Jakub. Note that in case it doesn't happen, you will inform other people about what is happening. What you tell is of course up to you. What is important is not to have a mini court trial fight but to let them know people know about what they did and they will do actions to immediately stop such practices..
Telephone to Warsaw: +48 22 865 99 00
Other country contacts: http://www.lionbridge.com/lionbridge/en-US/company/locations.htm
5) INFORM FRIENDS (in e-mails or icq, make some online banner and so)
You can send info about the case to your friends:
)
* to all the people in your e-mail address book
* to people from you icq list (msn, jabber whatever
and ask them to find a moment to show their support. It is likely that they will do it in some way. You know, friends are friends
If you can, prepare some online banner and spread it. One banner is here: http://zsp.net.pl/files/unionbusters.jpg
6) DO WHATEVER YOU FEEL;)
FEEDBACK
Inform us about what you've done so we can share that with Jakub and see what was the response and overall interest in the support actions. Thanks beforehand.
Priama akcia – Slovak section of International Workers' Association (IWA/AIT)
priamaakcia(at)priamaakcia(dot)sk
www.priamaakcia.sk
Original article: http://www.priamaakcia.sk/?action=view_article&id=435