Statement of the National Commission of NSZZ "Solidarnosc" on the situation in Polish shipyards

11 Sept. - The National Commission of NSZZ "Solidarnosc" supports the actions of enterprise commissions in the shipyards in Gdansk, Gdynia and Szczecin defending thousands of jobs, defending the existence of the best exporting areas of our economy.

By taking up the campaign "Decent Work - Decent Retirement" we emphasise the needs and expectations of the labour world and responsibility of the Polish authorities for building up the security of Polish workers.

The workers of Polish shipyards, where freedom and independence were born 28 years ago, where "Solidarnosc" was born, have the right to demand such security.

Once again we appeal to the European Commission for giving Polish shipbuilding industry a chance, as once successfully privatised it will be able to compete on global markets. This is the solution we have demanded from Polish governments for years. At the same time we protest against the government's refusal, despite earlier declarations, to consult with the social partners the project of restructuring and privatising of Szczecin Shipyard, which was presented to the EC.

We wish to thank the ETUC for supporting our demands in the European institutions in June 2008. We ask for further support of our actions.