The floods have proven that the miners’ solidarity is not an empty word

LAZY – How many times have we already written that the miners’ solidarity is not just an empty word? This time, it was Petr Kubánek, a miner working at the ventilation system of the Lazy Mining Plant, Karviná Mine that convinced himself that it’s true. When his house in Petrovice – Pustky was flooded by the wild Petrůvka river during the recent flooding, his co-workers offered him not only moral supports, but they also clubbed together and handed more than five thousand Czech crowns over to him.

“I must say they have really surprised me, and I do not know how to thank them,” the 30-year-old miner forced himself to speak when he reminisced with his boss Vladislav Seriš about those hard moments. His house was flooded repeatedly, at first in late May, and then in early June. When he went out of his house, the water reached his waistline. He experienced frustration, but on the other hand, also people’s help and solidarity. The help was provided not only by firemen. “For example, representatives of a company based in the town of Česká Lípa came to grant us sixteen thousand. They donated us the money in person and said they did not want to do that through any foundation,” recalled Kubánek.

A similar logic was also pursued by his co-workers. “There are thirty-two people working at the ventilation system, and two thirds of them clubbed together to support Petr,” informed Seriš, Head of the Section. As he noticed, even those from whom he would never expect it reached into their pockets for the money for Petr. “Petr is an excellent worker and good colleague, and as such, who wanted to help preferred providing the help to him. One thus knows where the money will end – at a person who really needs it,” added Seriš.

Petr Kubánek is married with three children. He undertook a plumber’s apprenticeship, and nine years ago, he started to work in the mine to ensure a better life for his family. He thus built on both of his grandfathers, one of whom worked as a mine surveyor in the Lazy Mine, and the other one drove a locomotive in the ČSA Mine. During the flooding, he incurred not only the material damage. His one-year-old twins were brought to hospital due to moistness and effects of mould. “My wife would prefer moving away, but our house is practically unsalable. In addition, we believe that the situation will improve. We have been struggling for barriers for a few years already. The barrier construction should start this summer,” he explained the situation with some bitterness in his voice.

And for what will he use the money from his co-workers? “The damage is large. Therefore, I will use the money for repairs and equipment recovery,” said Petr Kubánek.

(Bohuslav Krzyžanek)