The Domestic and International Significance of Independent Trade Unionism 'Solidarity'

Abstract

'Solidarity', led by Lech Walesa, emerged in Poland in late 1980 in protest against government economic mismanagement and party authoritarianism and corruption. Employing peaceful instruments of work stoppages and negotiations, it has won a number of important industrial and political concessions, including the right to free trade unionism, the legality of strikes and the undertaking of far-reaching economic reforms. This development amounts to a revolution 'from below', accomplished against tremendous odds without violence. 'Solidarity' has come to command overwhelming domestic and international support. But the communist regimes consider it to be inconsistent with Marxism-Leninism and the centralized, directive system of planning and management.

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