Poland: Agriculture workers to stage tractor protest in Warsaw Feb. 23

Event

Agricultural workers plan to demonstrate in Warsaw Feb. 23. The AGROunia union has organized the action to highlight profitability problems in the sector and demand greater government support. Participants will gather at the Palace of Culture and Science from 10:00 before marching to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. Several activists intend to take part in the protest in tractors, starting at several locations outside Warsaw the morning of Feb. 23 to arrive at the Palace of Culture and Science for the beginning of the demonstration.

Additional police will be deployed to monitor and facilitate the action. The demonstration itself and related security measures, including likely road closures and movement restrictions, will prompt localized transport disruptions along the protest route. Activists taking part in tractors will result in significant ground transport disruptions along the demonstration route, and on major routes into Warsaw as they arrive at and depart the action. Public transport services may be canceled or diverted. The demonstration is likely to proceed peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if activists attempt to breach any security cordons.

Advice

If possible, avoid the demonstrations 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. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in Warsaw Feb. 23.