Polish Miners Stage Underground Protest Against Liquidation Plans

An underground protest has begun at the Wujek mine in Katowice, Poland, where eleven miners are refusing to surface. Their action is a direct response to plans by the Polish Mining Group (PGG) to liquidate the facility, with the miners vehemently opposing the involvement of external companies in the process.

The core of the dispute, as reported by WNP, centers on the method of liquidation. The protesting miners, supported by the "Sierpień 80" trade union, argue that PGG employees are capable of carrying out the necessary tasks, such as filling shafts and dismantling surface infrastructure, themselves. They believe this internal approach would be more cost-effective and reduce the burden on the state budget.

Bogusław Ziętek, chairman of the "Sierpień 80" union, contends that significant savings could be achieved by managing the liquidation internally. He estimates that approximately 12 million Polish złoty could be saved on water management alone by rerouting it to the Staszic mine, rather than contracting an external firm. The annual cost of liquidating the Wujek mine is reported to be around 24 million Polish złoty.

Union representatives have expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue and stated that they do not seek to escalate the conflict. However, they have announced plans for a demonstration on September 4 outside the headquarters of the Ministry of Energy and PGG in Katowice. This demonstration aims to secure explanations regarding the proposed liquidation method. The union emphasizes that the liquidation process has proceeded exemplary thus far and they wish for it to continue in the same manner, under their own management.