KW president used soft words in the face of hard action by protesting miners

Yesterday's strike organized by the miners Solidarity union encompassed almost 30% of Silesian coal mines. The strike was held as another warning sign for the government and the management of Kompania Węglowa (KW). The strikers demand the government backtracks from its plans to close the Centrum, Bytom II, Polska-Wirek and Bolesław Śmiały coal mines. According to KW president Maksymilian Klank, Monday's protest was an emotional response to the problems of the industry which is undergoing a painful restructuring process. "We need an open discussion. An agreement has to be achieved and I hope it will, as this is also in the interests of the miners and their trade union. The law on granting miners attractive social packages will be passed by the Sejm," said Klank. The government program aims at reducing coal extraction by 12 to 14 million tons between 2003 and 2006. It also envisages writing-off all of KW's debts, in an attempt to give a chance to the company to break into profit. According to the unions this can be accomplished without closing down any of the mines. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) A.K.