Poles will not be able to replace migrant workers from Ukraine – Gajowniczek

12.05.2020 10:04

Ukrinform

Poles will not be able to replace migrant workers from Ukraine, who have long occupied their niche in Poland, amid the crisis and rising unemployment, Chairman of the Polish Union of Processors of Fruits and Vegetables Andrzej Gajowniczek has said in an interview with Ukrinform.

"It's all an illusion. Obviously not [Poles will not replace Ukrainian workers]," he said.

Gajowniczek said that his company Real SA, one of the largest processors in Poland, now needs 30-40 workers, but despite the crisis, there are as yet no people among Poles willing to find a job.

He stressed that Ukrainians working in Poland must have decent working conditions, social and financial security. According to him, Ukrainians should earn in Poland at least 12-14 zlotys (UAH 75-90) per hour.

"But it depends on the field of employment, because, for example, they earn a little more in the construction sector. Ukrainians quite often try to work more hours to earn more," Gajowniczek said.

Up to one million migrant workers from Ukraine currently stay in Poland. More than 180,000 Ukrainians have returned to Ukraine since mid-March, when restrictions on border crossings were imposed.

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