Poland

Poland: The famed Solidarity banner, an icon of Polands struggle against communism, has returned to the streets of late, carried by thousands of union members demanding change. Unlike 30 years ago, however, when protesters wanted an end to the one-party Communist state, they now have the countrys freely elected, centre-right government firmly in their sights, according to The Chronicle Herald. For years Poland has been praised for transforming its economy from Communist basket case into one of the strongest in Europe. The troubles of the euro zone finally caught up with it this year, however, reducing growth during the year to March to 0.5 per cent. The unemployment rate hovers around 13 per cent, and in places such as Skarzysko-Kamienna, a dusty town south of Warsaw, the rate is twice that and Starting on Sept. 11, Warsaw saw four consecutive days of union-organized protests, culminating in one of the largest marches Poland has seen in recent years. Jan Guz, leader of the All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions, warned that, if the government failed to draw the right conclusions from the demonstrations, we will block the country. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.