August Accords and the Birth of Solidarity: Poland’s Path to Freedom
The August Agreements opened the door to the creation of the Independent and Self-governing Trade Union Solidarity (Solidarity, NSZZ Solidarność), the first independent trade union behind the Iron Curtain after World War II. These accords, which ended a wave of strikes, were signed between the government of the People’s Republic of Poland and the strike committee, signaling a peaceful victory over an authoritarian system.
In 1980–1981, Solidarity grew to roughly 10 million members, transforming from a trade union into a broad social and political movement with immense influence. Its actions extended well beyond traditional union activities, acting as a catalyst for changes that contributed to the eventual collapse of communism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the ending of the Yalta-era system.
The movement unleashed a wave of energy and hope for change across Polish society. It fostered the emergence of independent organizations such as the Independent Students’ Association and the National Association of Individual Farmers (NSZZ Rolników Indywidualnych). In workplaces and institutions, underground bulletins and journals circulated, and independent printing flourished, underscoring a vibrant grassroots culture of information and organizing.
31 August – the Day of Solidarity and Freedom
To commemorate the events of August 1980, Poland observes the Day of Solidarity and Freedom on 31 August. Established in 2005, the holiday honors Poles’ struggle for liberty and independence and the beginning of democratic reforms across Central and Eastern Europe. While not a day off work, nationwide ceremonies highlight the significance of the August Agreements, with Gdańsk holding a special place as a symbol of the fight for freedom.
A symbolic timeline of the talks
Although the process stretched over several days, 31 August is considered the symbolic date of the pact. The sequence also included:
– 30 August: the agreement signed in Szczecin
– 31 August: the agreement signed in Gdańsk
– 3 September: the agreement signed in Jastrzębie-Zdrój
– 11 September: the agreement signed at Huta Katowice in Dąbrowa Górnicza
The lasting impact
The August Agreements are widely viewed as a watershed in Poland’s journey toward democracy and as a turning point in Europe’s broader transition away from communism. They demonstrated the potential for peaceful dialogue between citizens and government and highlighted the power of organized civil society in enacting substantial political change.
What this means today
The anniversary serves as a reminder of how peaceful collective action, sustained by resilient civic institutions and independent expression, can drive long-term reform. It also underscores the importance of labor rights, freedom of association, and open dialogue in preserving democratic gains.
Summary
The August Agreements united a nation in a peaceful challenge to autocracy, enabling the rise of Solidarity to millions, sparking independent social and student movements, and helping to catalyze the broader democratic transformations that reshaped Central and Eastern Europe. The annual Day of Solidarity and Freedom keeps that history alive, with Gdańsk symbolizing the enduring struggle for liberty and democratic governance.