1980 Polish strikes

The 1980 Polish strikes were a series of nationwide protests by workers demanding better wages, working conditions, and political freedoms. Triggered by economic hardships and food shortages, strikes began at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk and quickly spread across the country. Led by shipyard worker Lech Wałęsa, these protests challenged the communist government’s authority and resulted in the creation of the Solidarity movement, the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc. The strikes marked a significant push for social and political change, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with communist rule and inspiring future efforts toward democracy in Poland.