State owned energy companies to merge

The trade unions of the companies feared massive layoffs as a result of the reorganization, and therefore demand a 10 year job guarantee period, threatening to go on strike if the demand is not fulfilled. The negotiations are in progress and Gazeta Wyborcza revealed that the government has accepted a draft agreement. In case of a lay-off the employee will receive compensation equal to his salary through the guarantee period. Therfore laying off an employee who earns the average salary in the energy sector, which is zł.5,000 could cost zł.600,000. A similar agreement had already been signed by the government in 2005 when it was led by the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD). At the time Law and Justice (PiS) strongly criticized the left wing ruling party and claimed that it signed this agreement just to keep SLD friends and relatives safely employed. (Gazeta Wyborcza, July 28-29, p. 1) A.K.