Charakterystyka przemysłu Podlasia u schyłku Polski Ludowej

The present paper, consisting of three sections, discusses the situation of the industry sector of Białystok region in the difficult period when the Polish centrally governed economy was in its decline. The position of the region’s industry is depicted against the national backdrop, then it is compared with that in the former Białostockie, Łomżyńskie and Suwalskie voivodeships, and, finally, the situation of the major enterprises in Podlasie is described. Conducted analyses proved that in 1989 the region had a low level of industrialization. The number of persons employed in industry per 1,000 inhabitants stood at 56.5, whereas the national average was 106.5. Podlasie was also characterised by relatively poor (for Polish standards) industrial efficiency, as confirmed by labour efficiency indicators. The region’s leading branches included the food industry and, in second place, the light industry, which had a long local tradition. In Białystok, the electro- engineering industry played a significant part, while the timber industry was important in Suwałki. In the analysed period, the economic condition of industry in Podlasie was bad, due to the crisis of the entire country. Moreover, difficult working conditions, particularly in the textile industry, further aggravated the mood among workers.