20 years of Confederation of Polish Employers
Wednesday, 2009-11-25
Lubelski Węgiel Bogdanka S.A. is a member of Confederation of Polish Employers which will celebrate its 20th anniversary on 25 November 2009. The information about Confederation and its anniversary is presented below.
20 years of Confederation of Polish Employers!
On 25 November 2009, 1800 people from all over the world gathered at the Great Theatre in Warsaw. Those were the greatest representatives of economy, politics and science – the elite of national and international establishment. Such a prestigious event has taken place in Poland for the first time for months. But this time there was a special occasion – the 20th anniversary of Confederation of Polish Employers – the biggest and the oldest organisation associating Polish employers.
The history of Confederation is inextricably linked with the history of Polish business and its formation was a milestone in the development of Polish entrepreneurship.
“The circle of employers, more than any other group, influenced the pace of the changes that took place over the last twenty years,” says Andrzej Malinowski, the President of Confederation of Polish Employers. “Thanks to the Confederation, Polish entrepreneurs became the rightful subjects of economic, political and social life.”
Past…
The election in June 1989 overthrew the system of the time together with its airy-fairy economy. The “small business owners” were not any more the embodiments of evil. Very quickly they became the symbol of developing entrepreneurship, the vanguard of the new system. They were soon joined by more brave ones. The dam was destroyed and new small and big enterprises started springing up like mushrooms. However, they were still lacking the element that would link them together. The establishment of the Confederation was the most important step towards that goal.
“From the perspective of those years it is visible how big and challenging the task was. However, the initiators of the employers’ movement were aware that it would be difficult, after all the system does not change everyday” adds Andrzej Malinowski.
The Confederation’s principles of the time – introduction of full freedom in business activity, equality of all economic subjects, free labour market – are perceived by contemporary young people like a cock and bull story. But the ones who remember those not very distant times know exactly how revolutionary such ideas were. Centralized economy, “badly developed” state-owned enterprises that knew nothing about basic market rules of demand and supply. There was also a common opinion that if there is anything of economic sense to be build, it can be done only then on the ruins of the old system. The idea was expressed on the founding congress when one of the discussants stated that after several dozen years for ideology, several following for the trade unions, next years should be the time for employers. That is exactly what happened.
The present…
The CPE represents today seven thousand enterprises that employ over two and a half million of workers. The result is far better than of any other similar association. Confederation is a strong partner for both the government and trade unions.
„A partner not an opponent”, emphasizes the President of CPE. “It is worth remembering that in the long run it is not possible to increase the competitiveness of economy and to stimulate the Polish to entrepreneurship without firm changes that would free the companies from unnecessary bureaucratic regulations. If someone does not understand that mechanism he will suffer a resounding defeat.
Peculiarly – the further form 1989 the more problems the Confederation is facing. Our enterprises do not function in an empty space or in isolation from the world economic situation which is still a big question mark despite some indications of its upturn. For that reason, it is very important to undertake some actions that will protect both the employers and employees from the second wave of the world economic crisis which is said to be getting closer.
Future…
One of the many elements of this puzzle is the necessity of a radical amendment to the law, including the Collective Bargaining Act and the Trade Unions Act, as well as introducing amendments to the Labour Code so that it only determines the general boundaries of cooperation between employees and employers, and leaves all the rest to be dependent on agreements negotiated between the parties. Of course, it is only one of the elements that make it possible to imagine the modern and efficient Polish economy in today’s difficult times. Beyond any doubt, the maximum simplification of taxes, rationalisation of the application procedures for EU funds, acceleration of funds disbursement, as well as monitoring EU legislation can bring only benefits to the Polish economy.
“I am convinced that during the course of the next 20 years the Confederation will be preoccupied with a further development of the strong organisation that is determined in its efforts and represents the interests of employers. The organisation that fights for employers’ rights and dignity, serves the enterprising Poles, opposes economic populism and popularises the ideal of the free market. The organisation that by politicians and trade unions is treated as a partner, and not as an applicant,” adds Andrzej Malinowski. CIK
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
In connection with the jubilee celebrations of CPE’s 20th anniversary, two events take place in Warsaw on 25 November 2009 – “POLAND 2030 AND EUROPE” conference at Hotel Marriott (at 10 a.m.) and a formal evening in Teatr Wielki (Grand Theatre) in Warsaw on the occasion of the jubilee (at 7 p.m.).
“The conference is the highlight of a series of 10 regional debates entitled “Employers and Poland 2030” that discussed the 10 issues presented in a government’s report “Poland 2030. Development Challenges.” Our main aim while organising the prestigious conferences was to suggest a way and methods of accomplishing the objectives specified in this document”, says CPE’s Deputy Director General Dariusz Witkowski.
During the conferences, which took place in the regions most interested in the issues addressed in the report, a discussion was conducted concerning the purely economic problems faced by Poland as well as those social and sociological in nature, which in the near future will affect companies, and thus also employers. Conclusions were compiled and presented in Green Paper under the title “Employers’ role in accomplishing the plans and objectives of Poland 2030 Report.” The document, which presents the so called approaches and actions recommended by CPE, will be handed to Minister Michał Boni during the conference.
During the evening celebrations in Teatr Wielki, Confederation of Polish Employers will grant prestigious awards – “Vector on the 20th anniversary” will be given to individuals, companies and institutions whose activities and attitude over last 20 years have set the standards which were exemplary for others. Those who have blazed a trail for entrepreneurs and employers, presenting innovative solutions and concepts significant for the Polish entrepreneurship will be awarded and distinguished. “Super Vector on the 20th anniversary” will be awarded for activities which have brought substantial benefits to the whole country, its economy as well as political and social relations.
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20 years of Confederation of Polish Employers!
On 25 November 2009, 1800 people from all over the world gathered at the Great Theatre in Warsaw. Those were the greatest representatives of economy, politics and science – the elite of national and international establishment. Such a prestigious event has taken place in Poland for the first time for months. But this time there was a special occasion – the 20th anniversary of Confederation of Polish Employers – the biggest and the oldest organisation associating Polish employers.
The history of Confederation is inextricably linked with the history of Polish business and its formation was a milestone in the development of Polish entrepreneurship.
“The circle of employers, more than any other group, influenced the pace of the changes that took place over the last twenty years,” says Andrzej Malinowski, the President of Confederation of Polish Employers. “Thanks to the Confederation, Polish entrepreneurs became the rightful subjects of economic, political and social life.”
Past…
The election in June 1989 overthrew the system of the time together with its airy-fairy economy. The “small business owners” were not any more the embodiments of evil. Very quickly they became the symbol of developing entrepreneurship, the vanguard of the new system. They were soon joined by more brave ones. The dam was destroyed and new small and big enterprises started springing up like mushrooms. However, they were still lacking the element that would link them together. The establishment of the Confederation was the most important step towards that goal.
“From the perspective of those years it is visible how big and challenging the task was. However, the initiators of the employers’ movement were aware that it would be difficult, after all the system does not change everyday” adds Andrzej Malinowski.
The Confederation’s principles of the time – introduction of full freedom in business activity, equality of all economic subjects, free labour market – are perceived by contemporary young people like a cock and bull story. But the ones who remember those not very distant times know exactly how revolutionary such ideas were. Centralized economy, “badly developed” state-owned enterprises that knew nothing about basic market rules of demand and supply. There was also a common opinion that if there is anything of economic sense to be build, it can be done only then on the ruins of the old system. The idea was expressed on the founding congress when one of the discussants stated that after several dozen years for ideology, several following for the trade unions, next years should be the time for employers. That is exactly what happened.
The present…
The CPE represents today seven thousand enterprises that employ over two and a half million of workers. The result is far better than of any other similar association. Confederation is a strong partner for both the government and trade unions.
„A partner not an opponent”, emphasizes the President of CPE. “It is worth remembering that in the long run it is not possible to increase the competitiveness of economy and to stimulate the Polish to entrepreneurship without firm changes that would free the companies from unnecessary bureaucratic regulations. If someone does not understand that mechanism he will suffer a resounding defeat.
Peculiarly – the further form 1989 the more problems the Confederation is facing. Our enterprises do not function in an empty space or in isolation from the world economic situation which is still a big question mark despite some indications of its upturn. For that reason, it is very important to undertake some actions that will protect both the employers and employees from the second wave of the world economic crisis which is said to be getting closer.
Future…
One of the many elements of this puzzle is the necessity of a radical amendment to the law, including the Collective Bargaining Act and the Trade Unions Act, as well as introducing amendments to the Labour Code so that it only determines the general boundaries of cooperation between employees and employers, and leaves all the rest to be dependent on agreements negotiated between the parties. Of course, it is only one of the elements that make it possible to imagine the modern and efficient Polish economy in today’s difficult times. Beyond any doubt, the maximum simplification of taxes, rationalisation of the application procedures for EU funds, acceleration of funds disbursement, as well as monitoring EU legislation can bring only benefits to the Polish economy.
“I am convinced that during the course of the next 20 years the Confederation will be preoccupied with a further development of the strong organisation that is determined in its efforts and represents the interests of employers. The organisation that fights for employers’ rights and dignity, serves the enterprising Poles, opposes economic populism and popularises the ideal of the free market. The organisation that by politicians and trade unions is treated as a partner, and not as an applicant,” adds Andrzej Malinowski. CIK
JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
In connection with the jubilee celebrations of CPE’s 20th anniversary, two events take place in Warsaw on 25 November 2009 – “POLAND 2030 AND EUROPE” conference at Hotel Marriott (at 10 a.m.) and a formal evening in Teatr Wielki (Grand Theatre) in Warsaw on the occasion of the jubilee (at 7 p.m.).
“The conference is the highlight of a series of 10 regional debates entitled “Employers and Poland 2030” that discussed the 10 issues presented in a government’s report “Poland 2030. Development Challenges.” Our main aim while organising the prestigious conferences was to suggest a way and methods of accomplishing the objectives specified in this document”, says CPE’s Deputy Director General Dariusz Witkowski.
During the conferences, which took place in the regions most interested in the issues addressed in the report, a discussion was conducted concerning the purely economic problems faced by Poland as well as those social and sociological in nature, which in the near future will affect companies, and thus also employers. Conclusions were compiled and presented in Green Paper under the title “Employers’ role in accomplishing the plans and objectives of Poland 2030 Report.” The document, which presents the so called approaches and actions recommended by CPE, will be handed to Minister Michał Boni during the conference.
During the evening celebrations in Teatr Wielki, Confederation of Polish Employers will grant prestigious awards – “Vector on the 20th anniversary” will be given to individuals, companies and institutions whose activities and attitude over last 20 years have set the standards which were exemplary for others. Those who have blazed a trail for entrepreneurs and employers, presenting innovative solutions and concepts significant for the Polish entrepreneurship will be awarded and distinguished. “Super Vector on the 20th anniversary” will be awarded for activities which have brought substantial benefits to the whole country, its economy as well as political and social relations.
