Sejm discusses Labor Code changes as unions apply rejection pressure

The drafts of amendments liberalizing the Labor Code, proposed by Freedom Union (UW) and the National Conservative Alliance (SKL), will likely be rejected by the Sejm, as a result of trade union resistance. Last Friday the lower chamber of Parliament debated proposed changes, introducing, among other things, lower overtime pay and the possibility of laying off employees who are on sick leave. However, the two largest parliamentary groups, Solidarity Election Action (AWS) and Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), have strong relations with Poland's largest trade unions and therefore oppose the amendments. "These changes [will mean] total enslavement of employees," said Ewa Tomaszewska from AWS. SLD politicians used a similar tone, calling the amendments "a return to the 19th century." (Rzeczpospolita, May 12-13, p.A3) T.J.