Shipyard workers found guilty of illegal strike

In 2002 the shipyard's management, headed by Szlanta, wanted to implement a restructuring program, prompting workers and trade union leaders to strike. Szlanta decided that this was illegal and sacked the workers who then sued Szlanta for blocking trade union activities. The court's move to acquit Szlanta of these charges has set a new precedent, and with it standards for cooperative talks between trade unions and employers. Trade unionists are planning to appeal the court's decision. When the workers first brought their case to the court, Szlanta counter sued them claiming that their protest damaged the company. The court initially sided with the sacked workers, but it soon reversed its position, found the workers guilty and fined them. (Puls Biznesu, p.4) M.M.