Mining sector privatization stalled by unions

 In the strategy, the government said it would use the Warsaw Stock Exchange to sell stakes of 30-40% in major mining companies, including JSW, KHW and perhaps even Kompania Węglowa. However, so far no advisers have been appointed, no IPO prospectuses drawn up and there is not even a clear timetable for the referendums among workers that have been included as the precondition for any IPO. The reason for this lack of movement? Resistance from unions. Although they are not officially against as their members are to have the final say, union leaders are reportedly working behind the scenes to persuade President Lech Kaczyński that privatization would be a disaster, endangering the country's energy security and social peace in the Silesia region. (Gazeta Wyborcza p. 26) R.M.