Kia Slovakia has reached an agreement with the trade union ZO OZ KOVO Kia on the wording of a new amendment to the Collective Agreement. For production employees, the agreement guarantees increases in tariff wages of EUR 130 in 2023, EUR 110 in 2024, and EUR 120 in 2025. Administrative employees will receive an average annual wage increase of 7%.
In addition to tariff wage increases, Kia Slovakia and employee representatives also agreed on an extraordinary bonus of EUR 1,300 in 2023. The amount of the extraordinary bonus in 2024 will depend on the level of inflation in the previous year and may reach up to EUR 1,000. Positive changes will also apply to night shift allowances, which will increase to EUR 2.20 per hour in 2024 and EUR 2.30 per hour in 2025.
“We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement quickly and that wages at Kia Slovakia will increase above standard levels over the next three years. In addition to above‑average wage growth, the new amendment to the Collective Agreement will ensure long‑term stability for our employees, reflecting the current social and economic situation as well as changes in the automotive industry,” said Seok Bong Kim, President and CEO of Kia Slovakia.
“We consider the outcome of the collective bargaining process acceptable, especially in view of current macroeconomic indicators, and overall we assess it as positive. For employees, it means maintaining and improving their standard of living even in challenging times. At the same time, it represents a good starting point and preparation for negotiations in 2025,” added Martin Čech, Chairman of VZO OZ KOVO Kia Žilina.
Collective bargaining at Kia Slovakia was concluded in less than two months from its start, and the new amendment to the Collective Agreement was signed by both parties today. Among other provisions, it includes an increase in the maximum employer contribution to supplementary pension savings to EUR 30 per month.
Another point of the agreement is the introduction of one additional day of merit‑based recovery leave per year, beyond statutory requirements, for every employee who completes five years of service at Kia Slovakia in the given calendar year.
In 2022, the average wage of production employees exceeded EUR 2,000. Thanks to the new agreement, wages will continue to grow faster than the market average in the coming years. The tariff wage increases over the next three years also confirm that Kia Slovakia ranks among the leaders in remuneration, not only in the Žilina region but across Slovakia as a whole. From 2023, the average wage of newly hired production operators without prior experience, after 12 months of employment, will exceed EUR 1,500.
The new amendment to the Collective Agreement also introduces changes to the Social Fund. From December 2022, the meal allowance will increase, reducing the employee co‑payment for lunch or dinner to no more than EUR 1. Contributions have also been increased for the birth of a child (EUR 500) and for extraordinary events, such as ecological disasters or exceptional social situations (up to EUR 3,000). A new benefit has been introduced in the form of a EUR 700 contribution for employees retiring on old‑age or early retirement pensions.
The final wording of the new amendment to the Collective Agreement reflects the current requirements and needs of employees, gathered directly by Kia Slovakia. Through this newly signed amendment, the company aims to maintain its position as a responsible employer. Kia Slovakia appreciates the constructive dialogue with ZO OZ KOVO Kia, which contributed to the swift conclusion of the agreement for the upcoming period.
