Stormy Parliamentary criticism from all parties over changes to Labor Law

The government' s proposal for amendments to the Labor Code awoke the concerns of deputies from all parties during the discussion in Parliament. "Most of the proposed changes will not make lay-offs any easier but it will reduce the costs borne by the enterprises", argued Labor Minister Jerzy Hausner. However, the government found antagonists even within the ruling coalition parties. "We can' t put too much constrain upon workers' rights and their social security", said Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) repres entative Marek Dyduch. The Law and Justice (PiS) leader, Lech Kaczynski, said that the proposal for a six-month notification period for collective labor agreements worsens the position of workers. The League of Polish Families (LPR) was even more outspoken, while the Civic Platform (PO) attacked the amendment for being too prudent and shallow and proposed its own changes, as well as reminding the house that the coalition deputies opposed similar changes suggested by the previous government. (Rzeczpo spolita, p. A3) M.K.