Solidarity will defend social programs. The party will observe how the country’s political landscape unfolds, and their actions will depend on that development, whether it happens at the negotiating table or on the streets – Piotr Duda, head of NSZZ Solidarność, told PAP.
The 31st National Congress of Deputies of NSZZ “Solidarność” reappointed Piotr Duda as union president on Thursday. The incumbent leader faced no rival candidates. In a secret vote, 211 of 232 delegates backed him.
READ MORE: Piotr Duda is chairman of Solidarity for a new term. In a secret ballot, the current leader was supported by 211 of the 232 deputies!
“We are waiting for solutions regarding the formation of a government.”
Asked by PAP about the challenges ahead, the head of the union noted that these have been outlined in the adopted program resolution. He emphasized that past experience teaches care in pursuing the outlined steps, especially given the geopolitical climate.
From his recollection, in 2018 in Częstochowa the union set several demands and passed program resolutions, yet the actual work proceeded quietly for only a year. The coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine have altered the trajectory of those plans.
“We approved the guiding program yesterday, but we are approaching it with caution because the geopolitical situation remains uncertain.”
– he added.
He also cited the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, and he drew attention to upcoming parliamentary elections in Poland.
“We are waiting for solutions regarding the formation of the government, what kind of government it will be, whether it will be pro-labor or pro-liberal. Our actions depend on it.”
– emphasized the head of “S”.
The head of “S” over Tusk. ‘We only met on the street’
When asked if there could be an opening with a government led by Donald Tusk, he said that as the union’s leader he must stay open to dialogue. He also noted that earlier talks with Tusk have not produced an agreement.
“We only met on the street, so I would like that to change, but we will see what kind of government will be formed. Will it be a United Right government with a coalition partner, or will it be a government of the opposition?”
– Duda left hanging the question.
Solidarity remains willing to converse. He added that conversations have occurred with a variety of groups, including some who later did not deliver on promises.
“This is total nonsense.”
When asked about KO’s demand to scrap Sunday trading, with a trade-off of two free weekends per month and double pay for days off, the Solidarity chairperson called the idea “utterly baseless.”
Earlier the President said any proposals to ease the Sunday trading ban would be blocked. Duda echoed that view, asserting that the President will stand against such changes and that Donald Tusk advocates giving Polish shoppers time off while letting German stores capture the market.
– said Duda.
Negotiations or perhaps the streets?
He underscored that Solidarity stands firm in defending all social programs it has endorsed. The coming weeks and months will reveal how the country’s political situation will be resolved, and the union will decide its actions by whether that resolution takes place at the negotiating table or on the streets.
– said the head of Solidarity.
Strong criticism of the voluntary SISTER
When asked about the proposal for a voluntary SISTER initiative, he called it unacceptable.
The balance within the ZUS system must be maintained; anyone who avoids paying a premium should not be allowed to use the system, he stressed.
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olnk/PAP