Topics of coins
45th Anniversary of the “Solidarity” Trade Union
The year 2025 marks the 45th anniversary of the signing
of the August Agreements and the establishment of the
Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”.
In August 1980 a wave of protests against the unjust
authorities swept across the whole country. Over 700
workplaces and more than 700,000 courageous people went
on strike in the whole of Poland. They were the ones who
fought for better working conditions, dignity and the right
to decide about their country 45 years ago.
The August-September agreements paved the way for the
creation of free trade unions. Thanks to a relentless struggle,
negotiations and finally the signing of the agreements,
the monopoly of power was broken and independent workers’
representation was established for the first time in Poland
since World War II. Many people had a part in these changes,
created and supported the nascent “Solidarity”. Later, millions
of workers got involved in the activities of the trade union
as participants of the peaceful revolution which liberated
Poland from the yoke of totalitarian rule.
The Gdańsk Agreement signed on 31 August 1980 following
a two-week strike at the Lenin Shipyard was one of the four
August-September agreements. An agreement with the
authorities of the Polish People’s Republic had been signed
earlier in Szczecin on 30 August, and later, agreements
were signed on 3 September in Jastrzębie-Zdrój and on
11 September in Katowice Steelworks in Dąbrowa Górnicza.
The result of the agreements was the creation of the
nationwide Independent Self-Governing Trade Union
“Solidarity”, which was officially registered on 10 November
1980. “Solidarity” made its mark on the history of Poland and
the world, but still has much to do. The August demands
remain a testament to all trade unionists to be implemented
and a road map for future generations.
Piotr Machnica
National Commission of the Independent
and Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”
The wave of protests in 1980 led to the signing of the August
Agreements and the creation of the Independent Self-Governing
Trade Union “Solidarity” – the first trade union organisation
independent of the communist authorities. On the 45th
anniversary of this landmark event, Narodowy Bank Polski issued
a coin which is an expression of gratitude and remembrance
of that time – the beginning of great changes. This is also
an important anniversary for me personally.
Independence has always been and always will be a supreme
value for me.
Prof. Adam Glapiński
Governor of Narodowy Bank Polski
It has now become a tradition that the anniversary of the
Independent and Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”
involves the issue of a collector coin by Narodowy Bank
Polski. I am very pleased that the 45th anniversary of
the signing of the August Agreements and the creation
of “Solidarity” has also been commemorated in this way.
In 2025 we want to underline how important the involvement
of millions of Poles in the creation and development of
“Solidarity” was for the fate of Poland and Europe. Thanks
to NBP, an extraordinary coin comes on the numismatic
market symbolising gratitude to them.
Piotr Duda
President of the National Commission of the Independent
and Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”