Government ignores unions over changes in labor code

The Polish government has approved amendments to the labor code, rejecting the objections of the trade unions. The changes include reducing overtime pay, making it easier for companies to hire and fire workers, and reduce the bureaucracy connected with employing them. "These proposals will not lead to higher employment," said Maciej Manicki, leader of the OPZZ union. The government claims it will reduce unemployment, which stands at 18%. However, it seems that the government made a few concessions to trade union demands. "We have balanced the needs of employers and trade unions," said Labor Minister Jerzy Hausner. "These will help the development of entreprene urship." Hausner declared that following the breakdown of talks between employers and trade unions the time to act had come. Tadeusz Sulkowski of the Polish Federation of Private Employers (PKPP) said these changes will improve the competitiveness of Polish companies and reduce labor costs. The IMF and the World Bank have welcomed the changes, hailing them as a stimulus to create new jobs. (Rzeczpospolita, p. 1; Zycie, p. 1, 3; Reuters) P.W.