In fresh days, PKP Cargo, presently in restructuring, has taken drastic legal action against erstwhile Minister of State Acts, Jack Sasin. The Management Board of the Company informed that it had notified the territory Attorney's Office in Warsaw of Sasin's suspicion of committing a crime, which served as its typical from 2019 to 2023.
Charges against the erstwhile Minister
The board of PKP Cargo accuses Jack Sasin of failing to fulfil the obligations related to the conclusion of a key contract. As we read in the company's authoritative communication, the suspicion of crime is due to the failure by the Ministry of State Acts, led by Sasin, to conclude the essential agreement with PKP Cargo. This agreement was crucial for the implementation of the decision of the Prime Minister concerning coal transport purchased by PGE Paliwa Sp. z o.o. and Węglokoks S.A.
The company claims that this omission led to serious losses on both the public and private interest side. The PKP Cargo, as instructed by the government, was to carry 4.5 million tonnes of coal for households in 2022. This order was a priority, which forced the company to put aside another contracts already concluded.
Refusal of compensation
In August of that year, the Ministry of State Acts stated that it did not see grounds for compensation to PKP Cargo for the alleged Coal Decision. Despite erstwhile assurances by Jack Sasin and representatives of the company, the compensation was not paid, which aggravated the financial problems of PKP Cargo. Neither are the fresh authorities willing to change this decision.
PKP Cargo reaction
The board of PKP Cargo does not hold outrage with decisions of the erstwhile minister and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. In a statement, the company powerfully criticises the “criminal decisions” that would lead the company to the brink of bankruptcy. According to the board, Sasin and his crew straight contributed to the current wave of group layoffs that affected thousands of workers.
"The employees of PKP CARGO S.A. and their families were cruelly deceived by the Law and Justice organization activists, that is, by the Lords Matthew Morawiecki, Jack Sasin, Dariusz Seliga and Mark Olkiewicz, and others, who with their highly irresponsible decisions led our Company to the brink of bankruptcy" – the company is thundering in its statement.
Union criticism
PKP Cargo besides does not spare the trade union of NSZZ Solidarity. The board accuses union representatives of nepotism and deficiency of concern for the company's welfare and employees. The PKP Cargo authorities consider that the trade union activities have contributed to the deterioration of the financial situation of the company, including problems with pay.
Group exemptions
The financial situation of PKP Cargo, a consequence of government decisions, led to the request for collective redundancies. At the end of July 2023, the board of directors decided to release up to 30% of the employees, which includes 4142 employees from various professional groups.
Summary
The actions of PKP Cargo and allegations against Jack Sasin and another government representatives are an example of increasing tensions between state companies and government authorities. This issue, which brings together political, economical and social issues, will surely continue, both in the public and in the judiciary. The interest of the media and the public indicates that we can anticipate further discoveries of this complex story.
Read more:
PKP Cargo has reported a crime committed by Jack Sasin
