date: 24 September 2008

embargo: 12.00hrs Thursday 25 September

TUC and Polish trade unions sign protocol to support Polish workers in the UK

The TUC and the two Polish trade union confederations, Solidarnosc and OPZZ, are today (Thursday) signing an agreement to work closely to help and support Polish workers in the UK.

The protocol, signed by TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, President of Solidarnosc Janusz Sniadek and President of the OPZZ Jan Guz at the TUC Headquarters in London, strengthens the ties between the trade unions and commits all parties to encouraging the nationals of both countries to join a trade union of the country they are working in.

The protocol also recognises the work that the TUC and Solidarnosc have already done for Polish workers, including a Polish language website and booklet guide to working in the UK.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Polish workers play a vital and often unsung role both in boosting the UK economy and contributing to our rich diversity.'

'Sadly, many Polish workers who come to the UK without enough knowledge of employment law or a trade union to support them can find themselves ruthlessly exploited by employers.

'Unions are at the forefront of tackling this exploitation and today's agreement will help us to work with our Polish colleagues to help migrant workers know their rights so they can earn a fair wage and make a contribution to the UK economy.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The protocol will be signed between 12.30pm and 1pm on Thursday 25 September at TUC headquarters, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London. Journalists and photographers wishing to attend the signing should contact the TUC press office.

- The Polish language website, which includes guidance on your rights at work, is available at www.pracawbrytanii.eu

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth T: 020 7467 1372 M: 07717 531150 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 25 Sep 2008