The Solidarity Movement – Gdansk, European Solidarity Centre

Fact of the Polish figure „The Round Table – 1989”

Part of the „Dreaming about the democracy” topic

The birth of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” is a consequence of growing unrest and disagreement with the policies of the Polish Peoples Republic government. The first trade union recognised by the state in a Warsaw Pact country was founded in August 1980 in Gdańsk Shipyard, as a direct result of strikes that broke out in order to support Anna Walnetynowicz – nearly retired crane operator, terminated for her support of trade unions. Trade-union turned social anti-authoritarian movement, in little over a year managed to gather almost 10 million members – a third of the working population. “Solidarity” written in red cursive with a white-red flag hanging above it became a symbol of civil resistance that fought for the end of communism era. It’s leader in 1983 – Lech Wałęsa, received a Nobel Peace Prize gaining international recognition. In the first democratic elections a Solidarity-led coalition was formed marking the end of Polish People’s Republic.