Out of 3,977 employees laid off by Stocznia Szczecińska Nowa, 3,580 joined the Program. Approximately 1.8 thousand people have participated in training sessions. The training covers various topics – from digger operators or welders all the way through accountants, gardeners, photographers, beauticians or ear-piercing specialists.

DGA in cooperation with Poviat Labor Office works in order to help former shipyard workers to find a new job. In Szczecin, the company presented 2.8 thousand job offers to a group of 1.2 thousand people who had been made redundant. No precise information regarding the number of successful job applicants is available.

„A number of designers and engineers have opened their own businesses and now are wondering how to get some recognition on the market. Production workers are the hardest to help – says Andrzej Głowacki, CEO in DGA.

For six months following the layoff, former workers included in the Monitored Layoff Program have been paid PLN 2.5 per month. The last amount shall be paid in November. Not surprisingly, the model provides no incentives to look for a job.  Many people do not want to lose the money they are given and do not attempt to get employed before the end of the six-month period.

DGA observed that workers are not interested in employment forms other than a contract. But the market has been trying their expectations. Employers are more interested in non-standard employment forms, which are both cheaper and bear less risk of ex-shipyard workers establishing labor unions at workplace and trying to force new employers to satisfy their claims.

„In such a case, we invite labor union leaders and show them how to find a job as a sub-contractor. We want teams of workers specialized in certain areas to be hired by companies”, says CEO of DGA. „We have initiated negotiations with large investors in the region, those constructing S3 speedway, Szczecin beltway, modernizing the Pogoń stadium or building the new concert hall to make them consider cooperation with former shipyard workers”.

DGA shall implement the support program until the end of 2010.

„Some 60 to 80 percent of people finding jobs will mean that we have succeeded”, says Głowacki.

mab