Miners dispute continues as pay negotiations fail

But the outcome is being watched closely by executives at other coal firms, which are struggling to cope with escalating wage demands. Katowicki Holding Węglowy has already agreed to a substantial pay increase, but talks are scheduled to resume early next month. Unions at Kompania Węglowa have threatened to launch an indefinite strike on January 7 if the management does not agree to a 14% pay rise in 2008. JSW only managed to avert group-wide protests with a 9.5% pay offer last week. Industry executives fear that if Sierpień '80, the militant trade union that is behind the Budryk protest, has its way, this could have spillover effects on the situation in other companies as unions vie for the status of miners' champion. In the end it could push the whole sector into the red.