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Employment promotion, labour-market participation and competitiveness in the labour market were the main topics of the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Waldemar Pawlak and US Secretary of Labour Elaine L. Chao held on 10th June 2008 at the Ministry of Economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Waldemar Pawlak presented labour-market activity trends in Poland. “We want to develop the labour market outside the metropolises”, he said. “Job centres don’t have to be concentrated in the big cities, and jobs can be created near the place of living”, he added.

According to Deputy Prime Minister, changes in the Polish labour-market policy were aimed at raising employment, and thus reducing unemployment. “It is important to build an efficient and working population”, he emphasized.

US Secretary of Labour Elaine L. Chao was of similar view, and underlined that promoting employees’ competitiveness was crucial. “Our government promotes labour-market activity, including in elderly people”,Secretary emphasized. “In addition to private sector, we spend about $50 bn yearly for training courses alone”, she added.

Deputy Prime Minister brought up the issues of bridge pension and remuneration. He emphasized that the level of wages in Poland cannot be out of touch with economic realities, including inflation. “The most crucial challenge we may face within next 6 months is the expected further price increase of energy commodities and food”, he said.

Moreover, the head of economy department underlined that government activities for the next years would be related to building information society, innovative economy and efficient institutions. In his view, creativity of the society and educated young personnel are the Polish chief assets for the future labour market.