Salt Mine Standoff: Obajtek and Brejza File Legal Complaints Following Inowrocław Altercation

Former Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek and MEP Krzysztof Brejza have filed official complaints after a physical confrontation at the IKS Solino salt mine during a protest by striking workers.

Confrontation at the Salt Mine

Former Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek stated on X that he attempted to join a hunger strike ongoing at IKS Solino since March 15 at the request of employees. During his visit, a physical scuffle broke out between Obajtek and the company’s president, Wojciech Kotlarek.

President Kotlarek demanded that Obajtek leave the premises immediately, calling for police intervention while accusing the former CEO of assaulting staff. Obajtek countered by accusing Kotlarek of using force against him.

Obajtek claims he was physically manhandled while trying to intervene regarding the future of IKS Solino, alleging that the company’s management failed to negotiate with Qemetica, the primary brine recipient, which plans to sell part of its business to the German firm K+S.

Legal Actions and Accusations

Following the arrival of police, Obajtek filed a formal complaint at the Inowrocław District Police Headquarters, alleging the violation of his physical integrity and the obstruction of his duties as a Member of the European Parliament. He stated he provided evidence and detailed testimony to support his claims.

Simultaneously, MEP Krzysztof Brejza filed his own legal complaint, labeling Obajtek’s entry into the strategic facility a “political circus” and an illegal act. Brejza stated that the company president successfully thwarted Obajtek’s attempt to disrupt the site.

Background of the Labor Dispute

The hunger strike at Inowrocław Salt Mines began in mid-March. Union members from the NSZZ “Solidarność” are protesting what they describe as the weakening of the national soda and salt complex, citing a lack of state action regarding raw material and energy security.

The strikers are demanding that the State Treasury take control of strategic assets related to soda and salt production. Their proposal includes a development program for the energy-salt complex in the Kujawy region, including the construction of a salt processing plant and the securing of strategic deposits.