ak_nelson
26 Jan 2007
Polonia / Polish workers in Denmark [41]
It's true that some poles do have a tough time of it here, and non-professionals aren't presented with a whole lot of options. The language barrier can be a challenge for poles that don't speak english, as the majority of language classes and translation are in english. One thing to consider about apartments is that they are very expensive for everyone here, also that rentals are uncommon and reasonably priced ones are next to impossible to find. Even so, Many poles are able to build a very good life here.
None of my comments are meant justify unfair and poor treatment of workers, rather to add another perspective. We are very privledged here in scandinavia, natives are used to a high standard of living, and can be naive in understanding what it's like not to have that, or even how it is to have to work very hard to survive. Sometimes what happens with illegal work is that poles looking for jobs don't know the value of their services and agree or offer to work for too low a wage. One that may seem like a lot compared to how much they earn in poland. It's easy for anyone to underestimate how expensive it is to live here. Or how hard cultural integration can be, people are usually pleasant and friendly on the surface, but it can take years to build close relationships with danes and to get a good grasp on danish culture and social interactions.
Since poland joined the EU, there are a growing number of legal jobs and legitiamate polish businesses here in denmark. I hope it contines and that denmark attracts more polish people. :-)
They get jobs under falsh conditions.
It's true that some poles do have a tough time of it here, and non-professionals aren't presented with a whole lot of options. The language barrier can be a challenge for poles that don't speak english, as the majority of language classes and translation are in english. One thing to consider about apartments is that they are very expensive for everyone here, also that rentals are uncommon and reasonably priced ones are next to impossible to find. Even so, Many poles are able to build a very good life here.
None of my comments are meant justify unfair and poor treatment of workers, rather to add another perspective. We are very privledged here in scandinavia, natives are used to a high standard of living, and can be naive in understanding what it's like not to have that, or even how it is to have to work very hard to survive. Sometimes what happens with illegal work is that poles looking for jobs don't know the value of their services and agree or offer to work for too low a wage. One that may seem like a lot compared to how much they earn in poland. It's easy for anyone to underestimate how expensive it is to live here. Or how hard cultural integration can be, people are usually pleasant and friendly on the surface, but it can take years to build close relationships with danes and to get a good grasp on danish culture and social interactions.
Since poland joined the EU, there are a growing number of legal jobs and legitiamate polish businesses here in denmark. I hope it contines and that denmark attracts more polish people. :-)