Trains may slow down to 20 km/h. Will the train drivers’ protest paralyze the railway?
On Friday, trains across Poland may slow down to 20 km/h at crossings. The train drivers’ union is considering a protest after the tragedy in Sokolniki Suche.
The Trade Union of Railway Drivers is considering a nationwide protest after the collision of a train with a concrete mixer near Przysucha. Train drivers would have September 11, from 0:00 to 23:59, pass through all rail and road crossings at a speed of up to 20 km/h. The rule would apply regardless of the crossing category, also in places with barriers and signals. The action could cause major delays across the country.
The decision on the railway protest has not been made yet
The resolution was adopted unanimously, but the protest is not certain. The president of ZZM, Leszek Miętek, confirmed that the document is for now internal and must be consulted with drivers.
The union is to present details during a picket on Thursday in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The tragic accident near Przysucha was the final straw
In Sokolniki Suche, a concrete mixer hit the PKP Intercity “Koziołek” train. A passenger was killed and about 20 people were injured, including several seriously. Part of the train derailed and the tracks and catenary were damaged.
Trade unionists remind that similar events took place recently near Suwałki and Gdańsk. In their opinion, safety at crossings requires systemic changes.
Minister Klimczak: The protest may paralyze the railway
Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak commented on the planned action of railway workers.
“I think this step by train drivers is probably too radical because it may cause paralysis on the railway that day” – he said in the “Fakty po Faktach” program on TVN24.
The minister emphasized that he understands the intentions of trade unionists who want to draw attention to the threat.
“We have a common goal with train drivers, we understand each other perfectly” – he added.
The government wants to toughen penalties for drivers
Donald Tusk announced urgent work on stricter penalties for people entering crossings despite lowered barriers or red lights. Klimczak confirmed the preparation of statutory changes. Regardless of the protest, the Radom-Łódź route remains impassable in the Przysucha area. The problems concern long-distance and regional connections.
