Promocja zasad demokratycznych w dokumentach i działalności Niezależnego Samorządnego Związku Zawodowego „Solidarność” w latach 1980-1989

Abstract

A human being as a living creature free by nature and living in society has to find protection for his or her dignity, which in the contemporary world can be a democracy. The article is an attempt to present the fight of NSZZ “Solidarność” (“Solidarity”) in the name of freedom from 1980 to 1989. A worthy life is only possible in freedom and can exist only where the right to personal freedom is respected. The work of NSZZ “Solidarność” was a fight for free and democratic Poland. The mentioned values – freedom and democracy – are not only given to a man and society, but they are also a challenge, which might turn out to be difficult. The matter of democracy occurring within the union and a conflict which appeared between L. Wałęsa and Grupa Robocza (Labor Group) can be the process of strenuous learning of freedom and democracy by “Solidarność”. For “Solidarność” having participated in deliberations of Okrągły Stół (Round Table) agreement also seems to have been problematical. Some union members could see it as contradiction of their ideals of solidarity, truth, and freedom as well. In spite of the mentioned doubts and difficulties, the work of the “Solidarność” ought to be acknowledged as pure evidence of freedom and democracy. The peaceful fight for a man’s and society’s dignity, for law and order in the country revealed the genuine face of “Solidarność”.