Workers continue protest, but ARP is hopeful for future of Szczecin Shipyard

The future of the Szczecin Shipyard is still unclear. On Monday 4,500 employees were allocated salaries from budget funds. However, trade unionists believe that the money will only be sufficient for 40% of the work force and refused to call an end to their almost daily demonstrations. "There is money for all employees," said Marek Molewicz, of Stocznia Szecinska Porta Holding. Economy Minister Jacek Piechota, at a meeting with Szczecin local authorities, said that the only way to restore the company's profitability is to decrease employment and cut wages. The Industrial Development Agency (ARP), which acquired Porta Holding's Allround Ship Services for a symbolic zl. 1 last week, plans to complete nine ships. "We believe in the success of this undertaking", "These assumptions are backed by the current negotiations with future investors," said Roma Sarzynska, the ARP spokesperson. (Rzeczpospolita, p. B3) A.K.