Polish miners block border with Russia in coal dispute
euronews (in English)
2014-09-24
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More than 200 miners in Poland have blocked trains carrying imported coal from Russia at a border crossing between the two countries.
The miners say the cheaper coal, which they describe as being sold at “dumping prices”, is putting local mines out of business.
They are calling for a ban on coal imports from Russia.
“The miners of Slask mines who are staging this protest at the railway passage in Braniewo demand firm action be taken in order to limit the unfair import of coal from the Russian Federation to our country,” said a spokesperson for the miners.
Poland uses coal to generate about 90 percent of its electricity. Last year the country exported around 10 million tonnes, but then imported the same amount because it is cheaper.
The head of the Solidarity union in the region said miners could block the crossing until a government representative is sent to listen to their demands.
The miners say the cheaper coal, which they describe as being sold at “dumping prices”, is putting local mines out of business.
They are calling for a ban on coal imports from Russia.
“The miners of Slask mines who are staging this protest at the railway passage in Braniewo demand firm action be taken in order to limit the unfair import of coal from the Russian Federation to our country,” said a spokesperson for the miners.
Poland uses coal to generate about 90 percent of its electricity. Last year the country exported around 10 million tonnes, but then imported the same amount because it is cheaper.
The head of the Solidarity union in the region said miners could block the crossing until a government representative is sent to listen to their demands.
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