Last weekend there was a tragic event that could have disastrous consequences for many workers. In the Lesser Poland town of Malec, a mill producing popular “Beskidské paluszko” burned down. The fire destroyed part of the plant, but Aksam, to which the plant belongs, took decisive steps to guarantee the safety and stableness of its employees' employment. Despite tremendous material losses, the owners of the plant decided not to lay off workers and warrant them full remuneration.
A Disasterous Fire and its Effects
A week ago, a fire broke out in a mill producing “Beskid’s Balls”, which rapidly spread to the full plant. Firefighters fought fire for respective hours, but despite their efforts, the fire caused a roof collapse of 1 of the production halls, and the second hall was severely damaged. Only the third, largest hall was saved, which is inactive suitable for use.
Reaction of the Management Board of Aksam
In the face of this tragedy, Aksam’s CEO, Adam Klęczar, immediately took a position on the future of employees. In an interview with “Gazeta Krakowska” he assured that no of the employees would lose their jobs. The company has introduced a rotational work strategy that will let each of the employees to proceed working, even though at 1 time only about 35% of the crew will be able to work.
Rotative and Full Remuneration Scheme
The fresh strategy of work assumes two-week changes. The workers will be working for 2 weeks, followed by a replacement of the crew for another 2 weeks. Importantly, despite shorter working hours, all employees will receive full pay.
“Workers will be employed in a two-week system. Then there'll be a replacement. I want everyone to have a job. However, a two-week occupation does not mean a simplification in wages. It will be full. In our company, we always put people first and that will not change," said Adam Klęczar.
Reconstruction and the Future of Production
Aksam is not going to quit on this hard challenge. Plans presume that within a period production will return to 65% of the pre-fire level. This is an ambitious assumption, given the degree of the damage, but the company's management is determined to rebuild the plant as shortly as possible and reconstruct full production.
Importance for Workers and Communities
The decision to keep full pay for workers, despite the rotational work system, is of large importance to the full community. In times of uncertainty and economical difficulties, this approach of the company to employees is uncommon and deserves recognition. Aksam's actions can be a model for another companies, showing that people are the most crucial in hard times.
Support for the Local Community
The local community besides reacted with large support for the mill and its employees. Many have expressed their solidarity and willingness to aid rebuild the plant. This support is highly crucial for the morale of workers and shows how crucial the mill plays a function in the local economy.
Summary
The tragedy that affected the mill in Malc may have led to serious problems for many workers and their families. However, thanks to the decisive and humanitarian actions of the Aksam board, worst-case scenarios have been avoided. The introduction of a rotational work strategy with full pay shows that the company puts the best interests of its employees first.
Future Factory
The future of the mill looks promising despite the current difficulties. fast restoration of production to 65% of the pre-fire level is the first step on the road to full reconstruction. The decisive activities of the board and the support of the local community can make the mill not only go back to full efficiency, but besides become stronger and more united than always before.
Conclusion for another Enterprises
The past of the “Beskid Paluszków” mill in Malc is an excellent example for another companies to deal with crises. It is crucial to put people first, to act rapidly and decisively and to cooperate with the local community. This makes it possible not only to overcome difficulties, but besides to strengthen the company for the future.
The fire that touched the mill in Malc was a serious test for Aksam and its employees. Thanks to wise management decisions and the incredible support of the local community, the company has not only avoided dismissals, but besides guaranteed full remuneration for its employees. This communicative shows how crucial a humane business approach is and how much difference can be made by the right decisions in hard times.
Continued here:
The Beskid Forest mill burned down. Workers' dismissals will not be: Employees will receive a full salary
