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The propeller of the MS NSZZ “Solidarność” ship

Edward Bałuka Fot. Maciej Jasiecki, przekazana ze zbiorów Instytutu Pamięci Narodowej – Komisji Ścigania Zbrodni przeciwko Narodowi Polskiemu Oddział w Szczecinie

The idea of establishing trade unions independent from the Polish United Workers' Party came up in Szczecin during the 1970 strike sparked by the brutal quelling of street protests on 17 and 18 December. The subject was brought up again during the strikes of January 1971, and in August of 1980, the strikers made it their flagship demand. The events of 1980 lead to the formation of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union "Solidarity” (NSZZ “Solidarność”), which eventually brought down the communist regime in Poland.

Authored by architect Sławomir Lener, the installation showing MS NSZZ “Solidarność” ship’s propeller commemorates the December 1970 and January 1971 events in Szczecin, paying tribute to the strikers who were the first to demand independent trade unions. The work was unveiled on 30 August 2023 during the 43rd anniversary of the signing of the Szczecin Agreement.

It was created on the initiative of the Regional Board of Western Pomeranian NSZZ “Solidarność”, the “December 1970 – January 1971” Community Association and the Polish Steamship Company, with support from the Polish Institute of National Remembrance and ENEA.

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