Government backs down and yet again delays needed reform in the mines

Due to an agreement signed between the government and the miners' unions, the liquidation of the mines has been postponed for next three months. March 31, 2003 is now the deadline for the government to prepare a clear analysis of the necessity of pit closures as well as to project coal sales. The Unions' leaders refused the offer of participating in the process of drafting the report, as they claim that this is the role of the government. The issue is being fudged as the agreement only postpones the closures as coal output is far in excess of sales. All the government has gained is a breathing space as the miners have suspended their planned strike action. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B2) K.Z.