Polish competition watchdog fines Jeronimo Martins Polska and partners for driver employment cartel

According to UOKiK, a collusive agreement among several logistics firms prevented drivers from switching employers without approval, imposing a blockade that could last months and curbing competition in the labour market. The scheme, active from June 2017 through at least February 2024, affected several thousand drivers, limiting their ability to negotiate better pay and conditions. Jeronimo Martins Polska acted as the cartel’s coordinator, enforcing the agreed rules and mediating information between carriers while also deciding which drivers could access its distribution centres.

The competition authority deemed the practice a violation of anti-trust rules, particularly the prohibition on no-poach agreements, and levied a major fine on Jeronimo Martins Polska along with sizable penalties on Euro Finannce, Trans-GP, Mena P.M. and LKW Poland. Eight individuals directly responsible for the illicit arrangements were also fined.