Czech company hires more than 50 % Romani staff

The Frutana Gold company in Frýdek-Místek has been in operation for more than 15 years and was awarded an Ethnic Friendly Employer certificate last month. While the firm mainly produces and distributes peeled and boiled potatoes, it has increasingly started processing other vegetables as well. Few people realize that more than 50 % of the company’s 25 employees are Romani.

“In the beginning we also had concerns, like most firms in the Czech Republic, over employing Romani people, but over time we became convinced that they want to work, that they really work honestly and well, and if you give them an opportunity they will prove themselves. We are glad we can be an example to other citizens and firms and contribute to improving mutual coexistence,” said Zdeněk Majer, CEO of the company.

The company processes more than 100 tons of potatoes and other vegetables monthly. This year its daughter company in Slovakia started production and is also developing successfully.

Majer traveled to Prague for the awarding of the certificate together with a small group of Romani employees, who couldn’t say enough in praise of their boss. Video of the ceremony (in Czech only) is available at http://www.romea.cz/romeatv/index.php?id=detail&source=t&vid=9Xh6HdNnNYM&detail=9Xh6HdNnNYM