Warsaw, October 8, 2025 – The Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has opened a preliminary investigation into suspected collusion among transport companies that may have restricted drivers from changing employers. The authority has also carried out searches at the premises of three firms — Krotrans Logistics, C.H. Robinson, and Mena P.M.
According to UOKiK, the companies may have agreed not to recruit drivers previously employed by competitors, or imposed so-called “cooling-off” or “blocking” periods, preventing drivers from taking up new jobs with rival hauliers for a certain time after leaving.
“The suspected conduct may have affected competition in the market for road freight transport services,” said UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny. “We have initiated an explanatory proceeding and conducted searches at three companies’ headquarters. The collected evidence is now being analysed.”
Part of a Broader Labour Market Focus
The case marks another intervention by UOKiK in labour market competition. The authority is already pursuing proceedings involving Jeronimo Martins Polska and several transport companies, as well as an ongoing inquiry into the owner of the Dino supermarket chain. In previous years, UOKiK issued decisions in cases concerning illegal wage-fixing among basketball and speedway clubs.
UOKiK has also published a guidance document, “Cartels and Abuses in the Labour Market. Competition Law and Employment Practices” (July 2024), explaining — through practical examples — what types of agreements may breach competition rules.
The current inquiry is being conducted in rem (in the matter) rather than against specific companies. If the gathered evidence confirms suspicions, the UOKiK President may open formal antitrust proceedings and press charges against individual undertakings.
Source: https://uokik.gov.pl/kolejna-zmowa-na-rynku-pracy-prezes-uokik-wszczyna-postepowanie-wyjasniajace
