SSI Schäfer rejects complaints of systematic exploitation of employees

SSI Schäfer, a prominent Slovenian company known for its involvement in public procurement and infrastructure projects, has officially denied allegations of systematic exploitation of its employees. The claims were initially raised by Zoran Stevanović, president of the opposition party Resni.ca, who compared the alleged misconduct in SSI Schäfer to the controversial behavior of MP Boris Mijič, who faces accusations related to his former company, Progros. According to Stevanović, the situation involving SSI Schäfer represents "the biggest possible bomb" in Slovenian political and economic history. These statements have reignited discussions about corporate accountability and political responsibility in Slovenia.

The director of SSI Schäfer, Marko Štingl, responded to these allegations in a written statement, asserting that they are based on unsubstantiated claims made by a former lawyer named Špela Mesesnel. Štingl emphasized that the allegations primarily concern the period between 2014 and 2020, although some media reports have cited 2022 as the final year under scrutiny. He stated that despite the seriousness of these claims and their prolonged exposure in the public sphere, none have been confirmed through legal proceedings or inspections by relevant oversight bodies. Furthermore, independent legal and accounting experts have reviewed all documentation without finding evidence to support the allegations.

Štingl detailed a comprehensive chronology of inspections conducted by the Inspectorate for Labour, the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia (Furs), and the Information Officer within the company since 2017. According to him, none of these inspections uncovered any irregularities. This year alone, the Inspectorate carried out another review focusing on compliance with labor laws regarding salary calculations, working hours, overtime pay, additional payments for weekend, night, and holiday work, reimbursement of expenses related to foreign work, and ensuring rest periods. As of now, this process remains ongoing, currently in the phase of compiling findings into a formal report.

In addition, Furs also conducted a new inspection covering the period from January 2024 to September 2025 and found no violations. All documents were examined by independent legal and accounting professionals, none of whom confirmed the allegations of systematic underpayment of employees. Štingl reiterated that during the period from 2017 to 2026, the company underwent an above-average number of inspections by labor, tax, and other regulatory authorities. None of these processes confirmed the claims spread by Mesesnel, nor was the company informed of any criminal proceedings being initiated against it, despite Mesesnel having submitted complaints over alleged criminal acts.

According to Štingl, SSI Schäfer will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities, protect the rights of its employees, and use lawful means to safeguard its reputation and business standing. The company's stance reflects a broader effort to address concerns about transparency and accountability in corporate governance.

The controversy surrounding SSI Schäfer has become intertwined with the political implications involving MP Boris Mijič. Stevanović drew a parallel between the alleged mismanagement at SSI Schäfer and Mijič’s conduct as owner and former director of Progros, which faces accusations of owing money to employees, the Financial Administration, and subcontractors. Stevanović criticized Luka Mesec, the former Minister of Labour in the government led by Robert Golob, for failing to act on the SSI Schäfer case, accusing him of enabling one of the most significant systemic corruptions in Slovenian history.

Meanwhile, Mijič, who has not yet provided an official response, is currently under investigation by the Commission for Preventing Corruption (KPK). According to multiple media outlets, the KPK is examining Mijič’s activities in several companies, particularly assessing whether he violated rules regarding conflicts of interest. His company, Progros, reportedly owes tens of thousands of euros to former employees and the state, further complicating the situation.

The political ramifications of these developments have prompted calls for greater accountability. The Left Party and Vesna have requested a session of the Committee for Economy, Labour, and Sport in the National Assembly to address questions about Mijič’s suitability and political responsibility. This request highlights growing public demand for transparency and ethical standards among politicians and corporate leaders alike.

As investigations continue, both SSI Schäfer and Mijič face heightened scrutiny. While the company maintains its position that no wrongdoing has been proven, the political landscape remains tense, with ongoing debates about how to ensure that both private enterprises and public officials adhere to the highest standards of integrity and legality. The outcome of these investigations could significantly influence future policies and public trust in both the corporate sector and the political establishment.