The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has levied fines totaling over 570 million zloty against Jeronimo Martins Polska, the owner of the Biedronka supermarket chain, and 29 transport companies for engaging in a labor market collusion that restricted competition for drivers.

This collusion, which lasted from June 2017 to at least February 2024, involved transport companies agreeing not to compete for employees, thereby limiting drivers' ability to change employers. This practice potentially led to worse employment conditions for thousands of drivers.

UOKiK's President, Tomasz Chróstny, emphasized that employees have the right to seek better pay and working conditions, and such collusion undermines fair competition principles. The fines include 525 million zloty imposed on Jeronimo Martins Polska alone.

The collusion involved transport companies agreeing not to hire drivers from each other, requiring drivers to obtain permission from their current employer to change jobs. This created barriers that made it economically unfeasible for competitors to hire drivers, thus reducing wage pressure.

Internal documents from Jeronimo Martins Polska indicated awareness of the legal implications of these practices, yet the company continued them until a search was conducted by UOKiK.

In total, the fines amounted to 571,960,550 zloty, with additional penalties for eight individuals directly responsible for the collusion. One company received a reduced fine after cooperating with the investigation.