Solidarity Facts & Worksheets

Aims of Solidarity:

• To be a social movement, not merely a labour union

• To uphold workers’ rights

• To forward reforms in government policies through massive organised protests and strikes

Solidarity Chairmen Over the Years:

• Lech Wałęsa (1980–1991)

• Marian Krzaklewski (1991–2002)

• Janusz Śniadek (2002–2010)

• Piotr Duda (2010–present)

Organisation

• Rather than organising workers based on their specific skills or crafts, Solidarity brought together workers from all trades within a region, similar to the "One Big Union" model used by organisations like the Industrial Workers of the World and the Spanish Confederación Nacional del Trabajo. This promoted unity and strengthened the collective bargaining power of workers from diverse backgrounds. 
  • Convention of Delegates: This was the highest authority in Solidarity, responsible for making major decisions. Delegates were elected by the union members.
  • National Commission: This was the executive body, like a government cabinet, responsible for the day-to-day running of the union.
  • Regions: Solidarity had 38 regional branches, allowing it to operate effectively across the country and address local issues.
  • Districts: There were also two districts, which likely had some coordinating function over a group of regions.

Opposition: Wojciech Jaruzelski

• Wojciech Jaruzelski, as the leader of the Polish communist party, saw Solidarity as a major threat. He believed their calls for freedom and democracy went against communist ideals and worried their growing popularity could destabilise the country, potentially provoking a Soviet invasion.
• When Solidarity's influence surged, Jaruzelski took drastic action. In December 1981, he declared martial law, essentially making the union illegal and arresting its leaders, including Lech Wałęsa. Thousands of Solidarity members and supporters were imprisoned, and basic freedoms were curtailed. 
• Jaruzelski claimed this was necessary to prevent Soviet troops from entering Poland. Under martial law, everyday life became harder for Poles. Civil liberties were restricted, many people were imprisoned, and the media was heavily censored. The economy, already weak, suffered even more, leading to hardship and many people leaving the country.

Timeline of the Martial Law in Poland:

• • 13 December 1981: Jaruzelski declares martial law in Poland.
  • 16 December 1981: Government forces open fire on striking miners at the Wujek Coal Mine, killing 9 and injuring 22.
  • 17 December 1981: Further protests in Gdańsk are met with violence, resulting in 1 death and 2 injuries.
  • 28 December 1981: The last strike of 1981, held at the Piast Coal Mine, ended after 14 days. Miners are promised amnesty in exchange for ending the strike.
  • 8 October 1982: Solidarity is officially banned by the Polish government.
  • Throughout 1982: Underground resistance continued, with Solidarity members organising secret meetings, publishing underground literature, and staging protests.
  • 22 July 1983: Martial law is officially lifted, although many restrictions on civil liberties and political life remain in place.
• Jaruzelski's attempts to crush Solidarity failed. In 1989, he agreed to negotiate with Solidarity, which led to the Round Table Talks. These talks resulted in Solidarity becoming legal again and the scheduling of elections, although not entirely free and fair. To Jaruzelski's surprise, Solidarity won by a landslide, ushering in an era of democracy in Poland. Despite his initial attempts to suppress the movement, he ultimately played a part in its rise to power.
• Even after the transition to democracy, the relationship between Jaruzelski and Solidarity remained complicated. Jaruzelski admitted his role in suppressing the movement but insisted he acted to prevent a Soviet invasion. Solidarity, while understanding the difficult situation, could not fully forgive him for his actions.

Support: Jerzy Popiełuszko

• Father Jerzy Popiełuszko’s support for the Solidarity movement and his stand against oppression made him a powerful figure in the fight for freedom and justice. 
• Openly supporting Solidarity, Popiełuszko used his sermons to denounce the communist regime and inspire his congregation to fight for their rights. His words resonated throughout Poland, particularly during the oppressive period of martial law when the Church provided a space for open dissent. This made him a target of the regime's security apparatus, the Esbecja. Despite facing intimidation and harassment, Popiełuszko refused to be silenced.
• His sermons were not simply religious teachings; they were calls to action. He criticised the government's abuses of power and encouraged people to stand up for what they believed in. His words provided a vital source of strength and encouragement for those involved in the Solidarity movement, who were struggling against overwhelming odds.
• Tragically, Popiełuszko's defiance led to his brutal murder by Esbecja agents in 1984. His death shocked and outraged the Polish people. His funeral became a massive demonstration of solidarity and defiance, with hundreds of thousands of mourners gathering to pay their respects.

Underground Resistance

• When martial law was imposed on Poland in December 1981, it seemed like Solidarity had been crushed. The union was declared illegal, its leaders were arrested, and its activities were forced underground. But the spirit of resistance could not be so easily extinguished.
• Almost immediately, Solidarity began to re-emerge. Underground networks formed, defying the government's attempts to suppress dissent. Solidarity's strength was evident in its ability to maintain this underground network, which used various tactics to resist the regime:
  • Radio Solidarity (Radio S): This secret radio station broadcasts uncensored news and information, providing a lifeline to those resisting government propaganda.