How we managed the "corona" and cope with its consequences...
As everyone knows, the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Slovakia on March 6, 2020. In these days, we considered protecting our employees from infection as the most important task. Gradually, as information came from the central crisis staff and hygienists' recommendations were heard in the media, the management of VEGUM and. with. established a crisis team.
In the interest of ensuring the health of employees and preventing the spread of the disease, the first for all persons entering the company premises. As practical preventive measures, in addition to encouraging greater hygiene, we started disinfecting the premises and door handles. The company informed the employees about the thorough observance of hygiene principles. Later, we put into effect other measures - the cancellation of educational activities, rehabilitation stays and mandatory medical preventive examinations. Also, company visits and business trips have been suspended.
Today we can say that we managed it, thanks to the quick reaction and adoption of the necessary measures, and thanks to the discipline and loyalty of the employees. In the first days, it was difficult to get disinfection, Like the whole of Slovakia, many employees sewed masks at home and helped each other, either by providing masks or by saying a good word to a colleague whose children, husbands, wives were returning from abroad and it was uncertain when, how and in what state of health they get home. We can congratulate ourselves, none of our employees or their immediate family members got sick.
Unfortunately, the economic consequences of the pandemic are no longer so positive. Like most industrial enterprises in Europe, we are also struggling with a decline in sales. Based on the reduction of orders and thus production capacity, we are forced to proceed according to § 142 work – an obstacle to work on the part of the employer. In order to reduce the economic impact of the pandemic on the families of our employees as much as possible, in agreement with the trade union, we are providing wage compensation in the amount of 80% of the employee's average wage, instead of the original 60%.
Although at the moment all employees have to endure some discomfort due to the decrease in income, we believe that they understand this situation and we assure them that the management of the company is doing everything to get new ones as soon as possible orders and ensured everyone the possibility of long-term stable employment.
In Dolné Vestenice, 2 June 2020
VEGUM Board of Directors a. s.