Polish ministrike centers on raises and news media

The grievances that have Polish workers planning a one-hour strike today (Oct. 3) focus more on pay raises and news media access than on the politically sensitive issue of independent unions, Monitor special correspondent Eric Bourne reports.

Workers said the strikes would go on as scheduled despite last-minute government efforts to avert a confrontation. The workers are demanding speedier action on the across-the- board raises promised in the August settlements, as well as greater access to the media. Government officials said raises were already being put through for the lowest-paid workers.