Another month passes, and there are no solutions to the dispute between Dino authorities and its employees. Instead, it seems the conflict is intensifying. This may stem from the fact that, as union representatives claim, the store chain management has no willingness to reconcile. In reality, the board almost does not respond to reports of mistreatment. They simply refuse to meet with union representatives or protesting employees. The controversy continues to fuel more scandals that come to light.
Incidents of employee mistreatment are multiplying
Across the network, new cases of alleged mistreatment of Dino employees are constantly emerging. One case spread nationwide. It concerns Mrs. Karolina from Zabrze, who was dismissed after participating in a strike. It turns out the Zabrze employee took part in the protest even though she was on vacation on the day of the event. Despite this, she decided to support her colleagues demanding better treatment. Of course, the official reason for her dismissal was not her participation in the protest but the act of placing flower stands on the sidewalk. Similar absurd cases are beginning to multiply because employees of the Polish store chain are gaining the courage to break the silence.
The next case highlighted on social media involves Mrs. Anna, who learned of her dismissal on the last day of her fixed-term contract. Despite having the necessary paperwork, Ms. Ewelina did not take a job at Dino. As internet posts suggest, the store manager apparently disliked the fact that the new employee had changed her residence. If true, the pretext for not hiring her is absurd. This also shows that divisions within Dino are not limited to the board-employee line but also exist among employees themselves.
Unions fight for workers’ rights
Union representatives call for being informed about every incident occurring in stores across Poland. Each case will serve as another argument in negotiations with store authorities, provided such incidents occur in the future. This could trigger a general strike planned for September 2026. It is worth noting that the situation in Dino stores is closely monitored by the State Labour Inspectorate, which conducts inspections, and by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.
Union representatives from OPZZ Confederation of Labour remind that not every dismissal must result in job loss. Any intention to terminate an employee’s contract should first be reported by Dino authorities to trade unions, asking whether they will represent the employee’s interests. Dismissal without following this procedure is unlawful. In such a case, the employee can appeal the dismissal. Unions remind that there is a 21‑day window to do so. After that, rights cannot be claimed.
Wave of medical dismissals
Trade unions report that what is happening in Dino stores leads to serious health consequences for employees. They increasingly cannot endure the tension caused by the difficult situation and seek psychiatric help. In some cases, as unions say, the outcome is a medical dismissal to improve the employee’s health. Inspections are underway to determine whether mobbing has occurred in Dino stores. Such signals come from employees. The State Labour Inspectorate is investigating the situation.
See also: Dispute around Dino continues. The Ministry of Labour announces it will not back down
