Gdansk Agreement

The Gdańsk Agreement, signed in August 1980 in Poland, was a historic deal between the government and workers' representatives at the Gdańsk Shipyard. It marked the first time a communist government recognized the legitimacy of a free trade union—Solidarity—and agreed to improve workers' rights, include trade unions in decision-making, and allow more political freedom. This agreement helped end government repression, inspired broader social movements, and contributed to the eventual fall of communist rule in Eastern Europe. It is seen as a pivotal moment in promoting democracy and workers’ rights in Poland.