Hausner runs into conflict over future plans to index pensions and budget cuts

These benefits should increase by 1.3%, but the final change will be negotiated in the Tripartite Committee, comprised of the government, employers, and trade unions. It will be based on Central Statistical Office (GUS) information concerning 2003 inflation plus 20% of the increase in real incomes. The valorization will cost the budget about zł. 1.4 billion. Hausner would like to move away from the annual indexation of pensions, for in his opinion they should be valorized only if the CPI exceeded 5%. The issue arose the strong opposition of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and, "Even if any changes would be made, then we will not make it by the end of March," said Hausner. In related news, trade unions rejected Hausner budget cuts plan and few believe that an agreement concerning this issue could be reached between the government, employers and unions. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 15) M.M.