Poland: Agriculture workers staging tractor protests nationwide Feb. 9

Event

Agricultural workers are currently staging tractor protests in Polish urban centers Feb. 9. The AGROunia union organized the actions to highlight profitability problems in the sector and demand greater government support. Activists are demonstrating in around 50 towns and cities nationwide, driving tractors and other farm vehicles at slow speed along highways and major thoroughfares; most protests have fewer than 50 vehicles taking part. Activists in some locations have also gathered outside government buildings.

Local police in most locations have implemented road closures and movement restrictions to facilitate the protests. In addition to the convoy of farm vehicles themselves, these measures are causing ground transport disruptions in affected towns and cities; public transport services may be canceled or diverted. The actions are likely to pass off peacefully.

Advice

Check local media sources for up to date information on demonstrations and related security measures. Avoid all demonstrations if possible as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Allow extra time for travel in affected areas.