Samsung faces labour shortages

Samsung is considering closing one of its two Slovak plants and moving production abroad due to labor shortages, say sources of the Sme daily. The company denies this, and says it is only talking to the government about easing restrictions on hiring non-EU foreigners. It had considered leaving Slovakia in 2011, but decided to stay in return for a €20m investment assistance. Samsung has plants in Voderady (annual sales of €63m and 1,600 workers) and Galanta (€2.8bn and 2,500 workers), both making displays. Both are in regions with the lowest unemployment in Slovakia, at just 2%. The company is also complaining about the government’s proposal to increase pay for night and weekend work. It is offering a €900 monthly salary in job ads.

(SME/1)