SKL threatens to leave cabinet unless labor code changes are accepted

Prior to today' s Sejm debate on amendments to the Labor Code, the National Conservative Alliance (SKL) has threatened it will withdraw its ministers from the cabinet of prime minister Jerzy Buzek, unless the government adopts a clear stand on the unemployment issue. "We will not work together with a government that is unsure about whether to fight unemployment," said SKL leader Jan Maria Rokita. He claimed that although no binding decision had as yet been made on withdrawing the party' s ministers from the government, he had discussed his plans with defense minister Bronislaw Komorowski and agriculture minister Artur Balazs, both SKL members. Rokita wants the government to support 26 amendments to the code, proposed by the SKL, that are aimed at introducing an ' easy to hire, easy to fire' policy and greater freedom in signing contracts, and at reducing red tape. "If it appears the cabinet does not accept the proposed changes to the code our co-operation with it will be put in question," commented Rokita. (Zycie p.4) J.K.