On Tuesday, 4 November, a trade‑union protest began in Katowice after 3 p.m., drawing thousands of workers from mining, metallurgy and energy sectors.
Mass Unionist Protest in Katowice
On Tuesday, 4 November, after 3 p.m., a joint protest by representatives of all organisations grouped in the Inter‑Union Committee for Protest and Strikes began in Katowice. Organisers say the aim is to draw attention to problems in Polish industry and to defend jobs in mining, metallurgy and energy. Several thousand people are expected to attend.
Protesters at the Provincial Office
Journalist Szymon Kastelik reported that the unionists split into three groups and converged from different parts of the city—Załęże, Kościuszki Park and Spodk—to the provincial office. The event also included Grzegorz Braun and his supporters. After 5 p.m., the unionists reached the Silesian Provincial Office, where the first speaker, Dominik Kolorz, chairman of the Silesian‑Dąbrowa “Solidarity”, stressed that the Green Deal and EU climate policy are at fault. He said all governments since 2007 are responsible for driving Polish mining, energy, arms industry, and automotive into a tragic situation.
Congestion in Downtown Katowice
Due to the protest, numerous streets in central Katowice are blocked. Public transport is affected as well. About 60 bus lines, 11 tram lines and replacement bus services will be altered, according to TVP3 Katowice. Justyna Koch, deputy press spokesperson for ZTM, said that such a large event inevitably causes disruptions, and commuters should check the special notice for affected lines and times, as the situation may change dynamically.