Two KGHM trade unions threaten to strike to halt redundant privatization

Trade unions of KGHM Polska Miedz, the Union of Industrial Metal Workers and the Union of Underground Workers, threaten to strike if they can't come to terms with the company's management. Demanding a halt to the further privatization process of KGHM, they also want a member of the company staff appointed to the management board. Both unions argue that since KGHM is a modern, well-managed company boasting substantial profits, privatization is redundant. Furthermore, they oppose the consolidation of KGHM with German Norddeutsche Affinerie AG, saying it would in practice result in the introduction of a German strategic investor in the Polish copper sector and consequently loss of Polish control over this national industry. According to KGHM spokesman Jerzy Pietraszek, the union's action is merely provocative behavior aimed at capturing media attention.