Poles working in UK will go on strike

British newspaper The Independent reported that thousands of Poles working in Britain are expected to take part in the first ever migrant workers strike later this month in the wake of an emerging discourse that puts blame on migrants for Britain's economic problems. The protest, planned for Thursday August 20, is the result of discussions on Polish internet forums and is backed by Polish Express newspaper. The strike is unofficial as trade unions are not involved. “It’s just a way to show people in the UK that immigrants are an important part of Britain. We want to make the point that we are here and that we want to feel appreciated,” said Tomasz Kowalski, editor at Polish Express. The Independent pointed out, however, that opinion over the strike is divided. “This is not the sort of thing we would be inclined to support for the simple reason it might be more detrimental to individuals with repercussions from employers, than any advantage that could be gained,” said Tadeusz Stenzel, chairman, Federation of Poles in Great Britain. It is estimated that around 680,000 Poles work in Britain.