Jerónimo Martins Polska, owner of Polish supermarket chain Biedronka, faces a 121 million euro fine for allegedly colluding with transport companies to restrict driver mobility, according to a Polish competition regulator ruling.
The Polish Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) imposed a 525 million zloty (121 million euro) penalty on Jerónimo Martins Polska, citing antitrust violations in the labor market after finding the company coordinated with 29 transport firms to prevent competition for drivers. The decision, backed by the European Commission, alleges that transport companies agreed not to compete for employees, with Jerónimo Martins Polska orchestrating this arrangement, according to UOKiK.
Jerónimo Martins multada em 120 milhões na Polónia por
UOKiK’s investigation revealed that transport companies involved in the agreement restricted drivers’ ability to switch employers, potentially leading to worse working conditions for thousands of drivers over the years, the regulator stated. The agency emphasized that workers have the right to seek better wages and conditions, and that conspiracy to deny this right violates fundamental principles of fair competition. The workers have the right to seek better wages and working conditions. Conspiring to deny this right to workers violates the fundamental principles of fair competition. These practices must be mercilessly eradicated from the market,
said the president of the Competition and Consumer Protection Office.
De acordo com a agência Reuters, a Comissão Europeia analisou o caso e concluiu que a conduta violou as regras de concorrência da União Europeia, dando assim razão ao regulador polaco.
Jerónimo Martins Polska rejected the claims, stating it did not engage in any illegal practices and would challenge the ruling in court. A company representative criticized UOKiK’s public announcement of a decision affecting our company without prior notification, adding that internal policies explicitly prohibit any behavior restricting competition or violating the law. At this stage, we are deeply concerned about how UOKiK chose to widely communicate a decision affecting our company without prior notification,
said an official source from the Polish supermarket chain Biedronka. The same source noted that “Beyond what is legally established, our internal policies, and in particular our Code of Conduct, are very explicit about the obligation to respect the principle of free competition, prohibiting any behavior, agreement, or participation in initiatives that could result in the restriction of competition and the violation of the law,” said an official source from the Polish supermarket chain Biedronka.
Biedronka. Jerónimo Martins condenada a pagar 121 milhões de
The firm also highlighted its Code of Conduct as a safeguard against anticompetitive behavior, though it did not address specific allegations about coordination with transport firms. The dispute underscores tensions between corporate practices and labor market regulations in Poland’s retail sector.
UOKiK also imposed fines on 29 transport companies and eight individuals as part of the investigation. The regulator stated that The transport companies agreed not to compete for employees, and Jerónimo Martins Polska coordinated this agreement,
said the regulator. This coordination allegedly restricted the freedom of drivers to change employers, impacting their ability to negotiate better terms.
Jerónimo Martins vai recorrer de multa de 120 milhões
Jerónimo Martins Polska’s response to the ruling emphasized its commitment to legal compliance and ethical business practices. The company’s statement reiterated that did not engage in any illegal practices,
said Jerónimo Martins Polska. The case has drawn attention to the complexities of regulating labor markets in sectors where subcontracting is prevalent, with UOKiK’s actions potentially influencing future regulatory approaches.
The ruling also underscores the role of national regulators in enforcing competition laws. UOKiK’s decision may encourage other members to prioritize worker mobility in competition reviews. Meanwhile, the outcome of Jerónimo Martins’ appeal will likely shape how similar disputes are handled in Poland.
The case remains a focal point for debates on balancing corporate interests with labor market fairness, with implications for both regulatory frameworks and business strategies in Poland’s retail and transportation industries.