They're good because they're hungry Patty. In the west we have become complacent and lazy, and many people feel the world owes them a living. Poor education, poor school discipline, irresponsible kids, all these things are contributory factors. Get rich quick, get rich easy programmes on TV, entertainers and sportsmen earning obscene wages, lottery programmes, poker TV, etc etc.
Learning and erudition are no longer respected or properly rewarded, and Mammon rules OK.
There is also no history of social support in these Mittel European countries, so if you don't work you starve, so they at least still cherish, and believe in the work ethic.
We have something approaching 6000 poles in and around Inverness, and they work in building, in agriculture, and in fish processing. Once a month the local paper publishes a Polish language supplement, and lots of the bars in town now sell Polish beers.
They are here to stay, and while some will return to Poland when they have made some money, others will come to take their place. They certainly make the locals look to their laurels when it comes to willingness to work!
Giok