Scaffolding firm hits back at lawsuit claims

At the end of September, the announcement came that Byggnads, a Swedish trade union, is suing the scaffolding company Global Scaffolders UAB for €9.2 million.

They claimed that the company had not paid sufficient wages and overtime compensation, as well as withheld taxes and social contributions.

Now Global Scaffolders’ CEO, Aurimas Jocaitis, responds to the harsh criticism from Byggnads.

“The public attention stems from different interpretations of the actual circumstances. That is, the same facts are viewed differently by our employees, managers, supervisory authorities and external partners,” he says.

“Particularly regrettable”

He also says that the publicized dispute has led to the company losing customers, projects and 80 jobs as a result, despite it being an ongoing conflict with no outcome to date.

“This is particularly regrettable because our experience, track record, consistent positive outcomes from internal and external audits, local and international certifications, effective cooperation with all Swedish authorities, and contributions to projects across the country demonstrate that we are a valued and reliable partner in the Swedish construction sector.”

He adds that the company invests in employees, pays taxes on time and listens. They have also begun providing breakfast during ferry trips for their employees, following an employee survey.

“It is important to us how our colleagues feel not only during everyday work but also while traveling, away from their families.”

“A responsible employer”

The company, which has contributed to several prominent projects in Sweden, also promises to improve in cases where they fall short of requirements.

“I also assure you that if, over time, it becomes clear that in certain isolated incidents we objectively fail to meet the expectations of our colleagues, partners, authorities, or Swedish society, we will correct this immediately”, says Aurimas Jocaitis, continuing:

“We are a responsible employer, and we are here to create value for all stakeholders on both sides of the Baltic Sea. We understand different perspectives, we are committed to continuous improvement, and I encourage everyone to rely on facts.”

Byggnads’ criticism

Byggnads, as you know by now, disagrees with that assessment.

“This is the textbook example of a company that should be removed from our workplaces. The company has deliberately violated the collective agreement and thereby earned enormous sums. They have deceived their employees and competed out serious companies that followed laws and regulations,” said Emil Persson, Byggnads’ collective bargaining secretary, in connection with the lawsuit.

To that, Aurimas Jocaitis responds:

“Without question, all market participants must compete on equal terms, and we have always been open to discussing this.”