INCREASED BASIC SALARIES AT SIJ GROUP PRODUCTION COMPANIES

Press Release

Ljubljana, 5 May 2023 – Increased basic salaries for employees under collective agreements in the production companies SIJ Metal Ravne, SIJ Acroni, SIJ Ravne Systems and SIJ SUZ, which are part of the SIJ Group.

SIJ Group management, the directors of the production companies and the representative trade unions in the SIJ Group have reached an important agreement within the framework of the social dialogue on raising the gross basic salaries for employees under the collective agreements. Considering the differences in the average gross basic salaries of employees under collective agreements among the production companies SIJ Metal Ravne, SIJ Acroni, SIJ Ravne Systems and SIJ SUZ, the average increase varies from company to company, ranging from 8.5% to 12.1%. As the companies have a single payroll system, a single increase has been implemented, regardless of the performance of the individual companies. SIJ Ravne Systems had already increased its wage bill by 3% in March this year when it switched to the new payroll system. 

Aware of the rising cost of living and on the back of strong business results, the SIJ Group had already made additional payments to all employees in 2022, which, together with allowances and performance bonuses, exceeded EUR 4,000 per employee per year. This measure, based on the average gross salary of employees under the collective agreement, outpaced last year's inflation rate of 10.3% and made it easier for employees to cope with the cost of living increases.

The SIJ Group also paid employees a cost of living bonus of around EUR 100 gross per month in 2023. By raising basic salaries, this short-term measure is reflected in the gross basic salary for employees under the collective agreement, and is also beneficial for employees in the long term. As a result, employees have been receiving higher pay since the beginning of the year due to the payment of the bonus. Increased basic salaries for employees now also mean higher bonus payments.

 At the same time, the SIJ Group continues to provide its employees with other forms of payment, rewards and motivation:

•             Additional variable monthly rewards for employees linked to meeting production targets

of the sites and the overall objectives of the company.

•             Maximum tax-free meal allowance of EUR 7.96 and reimbursement of the difference between the price of the meals provided and the maximum tax-free allowance.

•             Payment of a premium for voluntary supplementary pension insurance.

•             Payment of a premium for supplementary health insurance for all those who want it, and the option of including family members on equally favourable terms.

 

The SIJ Group's production companies, despite caution due to the cooling economy, found internal reserves and increased basic salaries. This is to ensure more competitive pay on a lasting basis. Competitive basic salaries are one of the three key factors for SIJ Group employees, alongside working conditions and good working relationships, which all have a major impact on job satisfaction.

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SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group is one of the leading producers of stainless steel and special steels in Europe. We are committed to global and European climate goals and operate in line with circular economy principles. With our steel and steel products, we are the right partner for facilitating the green transition in Europe. We are aiming to confirm our sustainability credentials by achieving certification to the stringent ResponsibleSteel standard by the end of 2023. This will position us as one of the most responsible and sustainable steel producers in the world. Our two largest companies are modern recycling steelworks, and our steel is recycled because it is made from steel scrap. With more than 3,800 employees, we are one of the largest employers in Slovenia and a pillar of the Slovenian steel sector. We are one of Slovenia's leading exporters. About 85% of our revenue is generated in foreign markets.

 

More information:

SIJ – Slovenska industrija jekla, d.d.

Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications

Corporate Communications

Telephone: +386 1 242 98 27

Mobile phone: +386 41 313 532

E-mail: sara.wagner@sij.si