The celebrations began with a holy mass in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of the World in Szczygłowice. The rest of the celebrations took place at the mine site. First, a cross at the mine gate commemorating the September 1981 strikes was blessed.
- Forty years ago, at this site, we were fighting not for money, not for anything else, but for human dignity, freedom and fundamental rights. It was something incredible - recalled Czesław Sobierajski, a witness and participant in the events that took place 40 years ago, adding: - I’m proud and honored to be with you today. I would like to thank the Company's management board and the mine management. It's great to be a part of this wonderful celebration.
The celebration then moved to the pithead. The invited guests were welcomed by Jarosław Twardokęs, director of Knurów-Szczygłowice mine, who pointed out that for all these years the Szczygłowice mine staff have been characterized by diligence and drive for dynamic development and expansion of the mine.
- I would like to thank the present and retired employees of the Szczygłowice mine, as well as those who are no longer with us, for all these years of mining and development of our workplace. Let us never forget that a mine is first and foremost the people who worked and work here - said the mine director.
It is worth noting that in 2010 the Szczygłowice mine was incorporated into structure of KWK Knurów-Szczygłowice, creating a two-section plant with independent production lines. Seven years ago the mine became part of JSW’s organizational structures. Producing quality coking coal, which is essential for steel production, it is an important part of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa.
- In the Szczygłowice mine, thanks to the work of generations of miners, using state-of-the-art solutions and technologies, you have forged a brand recognizable in the entire Polish mining industry - said Tomasz Cudny, the President of the JSW Management Board: - Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa has made numerous investments here in order to enhance the quality of coking coal production, which perfectly matches the development strategy of our company -added Mr. Cudny, congratulating the employees and thanking them for the effort they put into their daily work.
In the pithead of the Szczygłowice mine there is a 130-year-old statue of St. Barbara, at which flowers and wreaths were laid. The 60th anniversary was celebrated together with the mine by, among others, representatives of voivodship and local authorities as well as trade unionists and mine workers.
