Country-wide train strike to be avoided as government makes new promises

The strike at Polish State Railways (PKP) planned for June 15 is likely to be called off. The government pledged yesterday to present a plan to solve the problem of financing PKP's regional traffic deficit within two weeks. In a week's time PKP is also to present a scheme to supplement PKP's social-security fund. The Finance Minister will unlock 75% of PKP's bank account. PKP employees are demanding the canceling of PKS's debt and an average15% pay rise. (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 1,24) A.D. Labor law says Polish voluntary workers are working illegally for charities Poles working as charity volunteers are doing so illegally. The Labor Code does not allow for the possibility of voluntary work. "If we buy protective clothing or pay for medical exams, volunteers have to add this to their income," says Caritas Polska charity worker Jaroslaw Bittel. Polish volunteers helping victims of wars and natural disasters abroad do not have their social insurance premiums paid while volunteering. (Zycie, page 3) T.J.