HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK ---------------------------
Reuters. 26 April 2002. Thousands of Poles protest against labour reforms. WARSAW -- In a very Polish role-reversal, the Solidarity union, once in the forefront of opposition to Soviet-backed communism, is now fighting a rearguard action against liberal reforms proposed by the heirs to their oppressors. Tens of thousands of Polish trade unionists rallied in Warsaw on Friday to protest against the left-wing government's proposed labour reforms, which they fear will add to record dole queues. The march began good naturedly, but later protesters let off a smoke bomb and threw firecrackers outside government headquarters. Despite some pushing and shoving, riot police on the scene did not intervene. The demonstration, organised by the Solidarity trade union, marked its first show of strength since the right-wing government it backed was swept from power by the reformed communists in last September's general election. Workers from shipyards, steelworks and coal mines -- once bastions of Poland's communist command economy -- said legislation now before parliament to ease hire-and-fire rules could force them into the ranks of over three million jobless. "If they implement these changes, then we'll automatically lose our jobs," said Slawomir Zales, 39, who has worked in a Silesian coal mine for 19 years. Organisers said 70,000 had come, mostly by bus, to rally on Warsaw's vast Pilsudski Square before marching to parliament and Miller's chancellery. Business groups and Poland's other main trade union, the pro-government OPZZ, have backed the proposed changes to the communist-era labour code. The International Monetary Fund has cautiously welcomed them but said they could go further. Excessive red tape [read: labor rights] and high payroll taxes are major deterrents to investment in Poland as it prepares for the economic challenge of joining the European Union in as little as two years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Stoller http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProletarianNews --------------------------- ANTI-NATO INFORMATION LIST ==^================================================================ This email was sent to: archive@jab.org EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84x2u.a9617B Or send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
