Government plans to cut up to 22,000 jobs in mining by 2006

The estimates are that reducing employment in the mines will cost around zł.2.6 billion between 2004-6, taking into account current demand for coal. However, if the demand falls the costs might rise even up to zł.3.6 billion. By 2006 the mines are to shed between 19,000-22,000 jobs. Out of the 136,500 employed in the mining sector, some 31,000 are not directly engaged at the pit face and it is these who will be the first to be laid off. They will be offered a special redundancy package or employment in other companies. The government program envisages limiting coal extraction by seven million tons annually, while one mine produces between 2-3 million tons of coal a year. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) A.K.