The August events – a triumph of freedom and social solidarity

”The road to independence was marked by a very difficult time, but today we know that these 21 demands were carved not in stone, but in our hearts. These are timeless demands that led Poland to independence,” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
41 years ago, the August Agreements were signed between the strike committees and the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic. The events of August 1980 are one of the turning points in the history of our country. They were a triumph of freedom and the solidarity of our society.

Caring for the weak, jobs, families and the environment constitutes solidarity

”The ideals of the ‘Solidarity’ trade union were and are timeless, because owing to these ideals we now know that placing individual and common good in opposition to one another is a false alternative. Individual and common good are very closely intertwined,” emphasised the Head of the Government. ”Those days and the agreements seemed naive to many, but they conveyed and continue to convey something more – the great value of agreement carried by the ‘Solidarity’ trade union and the ideals that we cultivate together with it,” he added.
In his speech, the Prime Minister also stressed that caring for the weak, jobs, families and the environment constitutes solidarity. He emphasised that in the face of the difficult situation around us, we have to work together.

Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” scholarships – 19th edition

During the celebrations commemorating the 41st anniversary of the August Agreements and the formation of the “Solidarity” trade union, the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” scholarships were awarded once again.
These scholarships are meant to support the development of talent in children and to help them continue studying in their chosen schools. The main criteria for receiving the scholarship include:
•    demonstrated abilities and achievements (e.g. in sports, music, science),
•    very high grade average and an equally high grade for conduct,
•    financial situation of the family,
•    recommendation from the class teacher and associations.
Over 19 editions, a total of 712 scholarships were awarded, with 23 people receiving one this year.
Contributors to the Fund which guarantees the scholarships for the children include trade union organisations, work establishments, institutions and individuals. Contributions are held on an account managed by the Pomeranian Foundation for Education and Work, a public benefit organisation.