Kania's Inherited Platform

A major test for Party Leader Stanislaw Kania will be the way in which he handles the Gdansk agreement between workers and the government. The accord, vaguely worded in some key places, gives him a lot of maneuvering room, as these excerpts from the official text show:

> In setting up new, independent and free self-governing trade unions, the Interfactory Strike Committee states that the unions will recognize the leading role of the Polish Communist Party and will not undermine the established system of international alliances. The new unions will defend the social and material interests of the workers but will not assume the role of a political party.

> The Interfactory Strike Committee will establish a center for social and labor studies, whose job will be to monitor the living conditions of the working people.

> The right to strike will be guaranteed.

> The government will table with the Sejm [parliament], within three months, a bill on the control of the press, publications and entertainment [as justified by the need] to protect state and economic secrets.

> The government will ensure radio transmission of Sunday Mass, subject to a detailed agreement with the episcopate.

> Radio, TV and press should express a diversity of views and opinions. They should be subject to public control.

> The press, as well as citizens and organizations, should have access to public documents, archives [and certain governmental planning documents].

> Gradual wage increases for all employees will be introduced, with the lowest wages being raised first.

> It has been found imperative to check the rising price of essentials through intensified controls on the socialized and private sectors and to discontinue the hidden price rises.

> The supply of meat to the domestic market will be improved by Dec. 31, 1980 [chiefly by limiting meat exports and increasing imports].

> It was agreed to ensure an adequate number of places at kindergartens for the children of working women.

> An analysis based on the national economy will be conducted to define the duration of the leave and the amount of monthly allowance for women on maternity leaves.

> Dec. 31, 1980, authorities will submit a program to improve the housing situation and shorten the waiting time for an apartment.

> Programs for providing more free Saturdays with pay [or compensatory free time] will be submitted by Dec. 31, 1980.

> The government pledges to ensure the personal security and uphold the current terms of employment for the participants in the present strike and their supporters.

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