The post-communist All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions, the OPZZ, is celebrating 25 years of existence.

A special congress has started in Warsaw to mark the anniversary. The head of the Alliance, Jan Guz, told Polish Radio that only common employment organizations can ensure a better future for Poles, although many barriers still remain.

“Today we must fight for a European wage. We should also create a legal system which will protect the poor and take care of the family. We still don’t have this,” he said.

The communists allowed the formation of the OPZZ on 24 November 1984 in an attempt to draw support away from the Solidarity movement. Solidarity trade union.

Over 80 federations and trade unions belong to the Alliance, which is itself part of the World Federation of Trade Unions. (jb)