WEBVTT 00:00:00.960 --> 00:00:02.513 Good morning, everyone. 00:00:02.600 --> 00:00:06.120 This is one of the most important videos we've put out. 00:00:06.172 --> 00:00:08.520 On April 7, 2026, we will do a livestream, 00:00:08.586 --> 00:00:11.440 where you'll be able to ask questions. Journalists will be invited, too. 00:00:11.440 --> 00:00:15.120 Watch this video until the end, it will be divided into several parts. 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:18.520 Starting from how we got here to, more importantly, 00:00:18.520 --> 00:00:22.896 what we are about to do and how we're going to win. 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:27.359 OK. I have brought some educational material, such as this folder here, 00:00:27.359 --> 00:00:30.039 which is called "Equal pay for equal work". 00:00:30.039 --> 00:00:33.400 So that we don't have to come up with some nonsense about new EU directives. 00:00:33.446 --> 00:00:35.473 The principle in question has been around since 2007. 00:00:35.519 --> 00:00:37.829 The EU directive that is about to be transposed into Slovak law 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:40.200 strengthens the application of this principle. 00:00:40.300 --> 00:00:42.576 The rules for parking your car are not changing, 00:00:42.600 --> 00:00:45.246 what's changing is how we enforce these rules. 00:00:45.347 --> 00:00:46.375 Some two years ago, 00:00:46.399 --> 00:00:49.520 we've notified the employer and said, be careful, 00:00:49.520 --> 00:00:53.680 the same work is being performed by people of different pay grades. 00:00:53.680 --> 00:00:57.879 The employer repeatedly just shrugged at this. 00:00:57.879 --> 00:01:01.160 They just ignored it. They even told us 00:01:01.160 --> 00:01:04.920 "The Korean HQ is informed very well about everything." 00:01:04.920 --> 00:01:08.720 We weren't happy with this, and so we turned to the Labor Inspectorate. 00:01:08.720 --> 00:01:13.360 The inspector, acting as a public official, came, and simply stated 00:01:13.360 --> 00:01:17.652 that the pay grade system is compliant. 00:01:17.652 --> 00:01:21.200 We argued that the employer has internal guidelines, 00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:24.520 which determine how people are assigned to different pay grades, 00:01:24.520 --> 00:01:27.066 and that in practice it contradicts the principle. 00:01:27.106 --> 00:01:29.179 This was confirmed by many of you. 00:01:29.253 --> 00:01:33.646 These were stories of such humiliation – that the system was explained to you, 00:01:33.700 --> 00:01:35.520 but when you asked HR about it, 00:01:35.520 --> 00:01:39.200 they told you that the system has been changed. 00:01:39.200 --> 00:01:42.520 We don't think this is OK. 00:01:42.520 --> 00:01:47.679 Unfortunately, the Labor Inspectorate 00:01:47.800 --> 00:01:52.153 declared that everything is fine. 00:01:52.293 --> 00:01:56.039 We had to accept this and change our plans. 00:01:56.039 --> 00:02:00.600 Our proposal for the next collective agreement was therefore 00:02:00.600 --> 00:02:04.020 an increase of basic wages for everyone in the old pay grade system. 00:02:04.106 --> 00:02:10.039 This will also be the main demand of the strike, i.e., an increase for everyone, 00:02:10.039 --> 00:02:14.440 in the system that the employer considers fair, by €250/month. 00:02:14.440 --> 00:02:18.440 Any further demands will be specified over the course of the ballot and after the strike is declared. 00:02:18.440 --> 00:02:22.480 These other demands may change. We're starting from the assumption 00:02:22.480 --> 00:02:26.800 that the existing pay grade system is the one the employer accepts. 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:31.280 Even though we had previously offered our assistance in improving the system. 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:34.879 In fact, the state-appointed mediator has identified certain 00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:38.206 legal risks in the existing system. Well, think of it what you will, 00:02:38.280 --> 00:02:40.522 but this is not how we see a constructive social dialogue. 00:02:42.435 --> 00:02:47.513 Anyway, the goal of the strike is an increase in basic wages for all, 00:02:47.538 --> 00:02:50.900 including office workers. If you want to equalize pay grades, 00:02:51.033 --> 00:02:54.466 ask the people who have completely ignored our attempts at dialogue, 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:56.713 until they've forced us into this situation. 00:02:56.833 --> 00:02:59.508 Educational material no. 2: the existing collective agreement. 00:02:59.532 --> 00:03:04.031 We consider all the parts we do not wish to change and which are not the object of the strike 00:03:04.031 --> 00:03:07.863 as the basic standard that we had already fought for and won, 00:03:07.863 --> 00:03:11.560 a standard which applies until the end of 2026 and which will also apply in the future. 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:13.546 The collective agreement will only be improved upon. 00:03:13.633 --> 00:03:16.495 If there are any provisions which go beyond the Labor Code, 00:03:16.519 --> 00:03:19.440 that is of course the whole point of collective bargaining. 00:03:19.440 --> 00:03:20.953 The Labor Code is the legal minimum. 00:03:21.040 --> 00:03:23.616 For us, the collective agreement is the real standard. 00:03:23.640 --> 00:03:27.693 So, what's next? Educational material no. 3: 00:03:27.693 --> 00:03:32.200 this flyer that we've circulated. You've all received it over e-mail. 00:03:32.200 --> 00:03:38.624 We have distilled the basics of declaring a strike and going on strike, 00:03:38.624 --> 00:03:42.360 especially the former. 00:03:42.360 --> 00:03:47.080 So the rehearsal ballot we've done recently, 00:03:47.080 --> 00:03:51.560 where you voted on the employer's offer, 00:03:51.560 --> 00:03:55.840 will now be done for real. We want everything to be 100% legal. 00:03:55.840 --> 00:04:00.360 We are of course talking to our union federation, lawyers, 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:03.079 the president of our trade union. The whole federation is with us, 00:04:03.079 --> 00:04:07.239 so do not worry about a lack of support. 00:04:07.239 --> 00:04:10.879 The composition of the strike committee will soon be announced. 00:04:10.879 --> 00:04:14.159 These will be the people who will ask you to vote. 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:19.216 Presumably, the ballot will start Tuesday, April 7, before the afternoon shift. 00:04:19.216 --> 00:04:21.320 If you want to help collect votes, 00:04:21.320 --> 00:04:24.639 be careful about breaching work discipline or interfering with production, 00:04:24.639 --> 00:04:27.880 with health & safety rules. Do not give the employer 00:04:27.880 --> 00:04:29.681 any pretext to challenge the ballot. 00:04:30.681 --> 00:04:35.919 I must emphasize that the strike isn't a goal in itself. 00:04:35.919 --> 00:04:39.160 As we've stated in the flyer, 00:04:39.160 --> 00:04:43.080 a strike is the last resort. We still believe there is room 00:04:43.080 --> 00:04:46.800 for reaching a satisfactory deal. Our union conference 00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:50.400 consists of ladies and gentlemen open to reasonable compromise. 00:04:50.400 --> 00:04:54.680 Moving on. Critical stage no. 1: having a valid ballot. We need 50% 00:04:54.680 --> 00:04:58.240 of the workforce to take part. Tell your colleagues to participate 00:04:58.240 --> 00:05:01.639 even if they don't agree with the strike. This is the moment of truth. 00:05:01.639 --> 00:05:05.740 Of course, the employer's position is not very comfortable, and they are aware of this. 00:05:05.740 --> 00:05:08.740 On the other hand, we can already feel some pressure, too. 00:05:08.759 --> 00:05:12.368 The employer may try to use fear, sow some uncertainty. 00:05:12.402 --> 00:05:14.188 If you have any questions – let us know. 00:05:14.349 --> 00:05:17.216 As regards contributions to health and social insurance, 00:05:17.240 --> 00:05:20.759 you do not have to pay them during the strike, so no worries. 00:05:20.759 --> 00:05:25.000 If you go on strike, your absence is excused, but you obviously won't be paid. 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:29.639 However, back payment of wages for the strike will definitely be one of the strike's demands. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:34.136 And recent history teaches that this demand should be continually increased as the strike drags on, 00:05:34.203 --> 00:05:37.479 so that the brave people taking part get something out of it. 00:05:37.479 --> 00:05:40.497 The strike begins by announcing it to the employer. 00:05:40.551 --> 00:05:42.892 We as the strike committee will do this, 00:05:42.932 --> 00:05:44.960 including stating our full demands, 00:05:44.960 --> 00:05:50.080 i.e., demands beyond the €250 increase I've already covered. 00:05:50.080 --> 00:05:54.160 As regards numbers: we do not expect that there will be 1500 people 00:05:54.160 --> 00:05:58.360 at the factory gates. Even our federation's lawyers say: 00:05:58.360 --> 00:06:02.240 A strike is a small revolution. 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:05.340 Personally, I haven't heard of a revolution done by a majority. 00:06:05.413 --> 00:06:07.432 It was always a small group of determined people, 00:06:07.466 --> 00:06:10.000 who won the masses over to their side, 00:06:10.061 --> 00:06:11.754 and brought about some revolutionary change. 00:06:11.801 --> 00:06:14.068 What's in our favor? Just-in-time. 00:06:14.239 --> 00:06:17.322 A fabulous phase of capitalism which is efficient, 00:06:17.370 --> 00:06:19.836 which sequences components precisely, 00:06:19.871 --> 00:06:21.464 which exploits labor power very efficiently, 00:06:21.571 --> 00:06:23.038 but which is also very vulnerable! 00:06:23.106 --> 00:06:27.386 A truck left unloaded blocks another truck, 00:06:27.439 --> 00:06:30.868 and there is nothing to load onto this other truck! So, all suppliers are stuck. 00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:37.144 We're sorry, but your client, Kia, is incapable of buying labor power at a satisfactory price, 00:06:37.217 --> 00:06:39.064 to come to an agreement with its employees. 00:06:39.119 --> 00:06:43.518 Let our employer deal with the consequences for the suppliers. 00:06:43.572 --> 00:06:46.552 This here is a little map with choke points highlighted 00:06:46.606 --> 00:06:49.800 where we'll try to disrupt the just-in-time system. 00:06:49.800 --> 00:06:54.199 We don't need 800 people for that. We will select the most courageous and heroic of you, 00:06:54.199 --> 00:06:58.417 who will help us negotiate a satisfactory result, using these extreme means. 00:07:01.080 --> 00:07:04.680 OK, after critical phase no. 1, there will be another, less critical phase. 00:07:04.680 --> 00:07:09.120 We need 25% of the workforce + 1 person to agree with the strike. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:12.759 Since how many of you will be affected by the employer's offer, 00:07:12.759 --> 00:07:17.319 this year and in the future, we are not worried about the votes at all. 00:07:17.319 --> 00:07:21.720 Once the ballot is complete, the party starts. About this map: 00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:28.800 we will need you at these places, but we will keep you informed where people are needed at the given time. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:31.800 There will have to be rotation. We also want to ask, 00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:34.680 if you have access to any material we can use, 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:39.400 or skills, such as piloting a drone or something else 00:07:39.400 --> 00:07:42.772 which could be of use for the union. Please let us know. 00:07:42.798 --> 00:07:45.425 Your help will not be forgotten. 00:07:45.499 --> 00:07:49.453 Those who will not be needed at the picket line, 00:07:49.513 --> 00:07:55.095 please do some yard work. Under no circumstances should you come to work. 00:07:55.195 --> 00:07:59.080 What about the others who, for some reason, do not wish to join the strike? 00:07:59.080 --> 00:08:01.472 For some, there may be objective reasons. 00:08:01.472 --> 00:08:06.319 We do not expect significant support from the kids who until recently were agency workers 00:08:06.319 --> 00:08:10.759 and somehow made it to permanent status, are still on a fixed-term contract, 00:08:10.759 --> 00:08:13.970 and are looking at an automatic €280 wage increase. 00:08:13.970 --> 00:08:19.280 You will not be assigned any jobs because the lines will all be stopped. 00:08:19.280 --> 00:08:24.440 You are entitled to your full wage. You know the story 00:08:24.440 --> 00:08:28.440 of the collective agreement coming to an end. You are entitled to 100% of the wage. 00:08:28.440 --> 00:08:32.080 This probably also applies to all suppliers. My fellow trade unionists at the other companies, 00:08:32.080 --> 00:08:35.136 make sure that this substitute pay is paid in full. 00:08:37.036 --> 00:08:42.491 Colleagues, we fully believe we are doing the right thing, and that the results are coming. 00:08:42.571 --> 00:08:47.160 All of us, I as the chairman of the union committee, 00:08:47.160 --> 00:08:50.480 the whole negotiating team, the committee, we all guarantee 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:54.000 that whatever is the employer's proposal in this tense situation 00:08:54.000 --> 00:08:58.880 will have to be approved by conference delegates and, to the extent possible, 00:08:58.880 --> 00:09:03.105 by a decision as close to you as possible. 00:09:03.193 --> 00:09:09.133 We want this to be our collective result, the result of a collective dialogue, social dialogue, 00:09:09.193 --> 00:09:13.040 not of an individual diktat as imagined by the employer. 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:16.720 Perhaps this is why we've ended up in this tense situation 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:19.258 which could have been avoided. 00:09:19.299 --> 00:09:22.331 Take it from me that we will make the right calls. 00:09:22.398 --> 00:09:25.265 We were fully correct to go down this path, 00:09:25.680 --> 00:09:29.360 just like the soccer goalie who, once they leave the goal, must go on, 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:31.674 because any hesitation will be punished. 00:09:31.761 --> 00:09:34.197 Similarly, we are out to get the results, 110%! 00:09:34.221 --> 00:09:38.977 We will keep in touch, you know who your committee members are. 00:09:39.077 --> 00:09:41.760 Ask them questions, call us, text us, 00:09:41.760 --> 00:09:46.920 all through the Easter holidays. Enjoy the time with your families. 00:09:46.920 --> 00:09:49.660 Once you're back, you'll see your pay slips with taxes deducted, 00:09:49.774 --> 00:09:51.954 you'll see what happens to the prices – 00:09:51.987 --> 00:09:57.120 let all these inputs be a motivation to stand up for a better tomorrow. 00:09:57.120 --> 00:10:01.131 The company can afford this and it can improve our lot significantly. 00:10:01.246 --> 00:10:05.425 I believe in you, committee members believe in you, the negotiation team members believe in you. 00:10:05.472 --> 00:10:09.399 Let's all believe in each other and you'll see this will turn out just fine. 00:10:09.399 --> 00:10:13.013 Let's do this!