Government outlines plans for restructuring coal mines

After failing to push through a previous plan, the Economy Ministry has revealed a new proposal for restructuring the coal mines. One of the strategies calls for the consolidation of the mines into two coal-extracting holdings, with a third holding responsible for infrastructure, including administering the assets of liquidated mines. The proposal is to be presented to labor unions for approval. If endorsed, the recommendations could come into effect as early as September. The most controversial part of the draft proposals concerns the process for picking the head of each of the three holdings. In addition, unofficial sources say that managers older than 50 are to be retired. (Puls Biznesu, page 4) S.M.