Farmers Announce Nationwide General Strike: Road and Border Crossings to Face Blockades

The Independent Self-Governing Trade Union of Individual Farmers “Solidarity” has declared a nationwide general strike, set to commence with the blockage of all border crossings between Poland and Ukraine, accompanied by road and highway blockades across various provinces starting on February 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The decision made unanimously during a meeting of the Union’s Presidium on January 31, comes in response to Brussels’ decisions regarding the import of agricultural products from Ukraine and what the farmers perceive as the passive stance of the Polish government.

Battling Brussels and Demanding Clarity in Polish Agricultural Policies

The farmers’ statement asserts that the trigger for the strike is Brussels’ recent decision concerning the import of agricultural products from Ukraine and the apparent inaction of the Polish government. They specifically point to the European Commission’s extension of the EU trade agreement with Ukraine until June 2025, citing it as a critical factor in their decision to protest.

The statement emphasizes the frustration of the farming community with the European Green Deal, the EU’s “farm to fork” strategy, and the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union in its proposed form. Farmers demand a clear plan from the Polish government regarding agricultural production, production profitability, the reconstruction of Polish processing, and domestic trade.

“We will fight until the end,” declare the activists, underlining the fundamental role of Polish family farms in the country’s food security. They argue that the healthy Polish food produced by local farmers is essential for the well-being of the citizens. The Presidium of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union of Individual Farmers “Solidarity” calls for solidarity among the entire farming community.

Balancing Dissatisfaction, Roadblocks, and Cooperation Amidst Agricultural Policy Turmoil

In response to the upcoming protests, the union encourages citizens to understand and be aware of the situation. Temporary roadblocks across the country are planned from February 9 to March 10, 2024. The union appeals for a peaceful expression of dissatisfaction and cooperation with the strike coordinators.

As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how the government, Brussels, and the farmers will navigate the intricate web of agricultural policies and trade agreements that have led to this nationwide call for action.