Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy NSZZ Solidarność

Hidden within the bustling city of Warsaw, at 74 Targowa Street, lies the Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy NSZZ “Solidarność”. This isn’t just an office. It’s a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of unity. The Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy, the National Railway Section of the Solidarity trade union, has played a pivotal role in Polish history. Imagine the year 1980. Poland is under communist rule. Workers’ rights are suppressed. In July, railway workers in Lublin go on strike, a spark that ignites a flame across the nation. That flame found its focus here, at the Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy. In October 1980, railway workers in Wrocław staged a hunger strike, a desperate plea for better working conditions. Their cries were heard, and the Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy became a central hub for organizing and negotiating with the government. This building, once the pre-war headquarters of the State Railway Directorate, became a fortress of resistance. The very walls seemed to echo with the demands for fair wages, improved working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights. These efforts culminated in the Wrocław Agreement on October 31, 1980, a significant victory for the railway workers and a crucial moment in the broader Solidarity movement. This wasn’t the end of the struggle. The Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy continued to fight. Throughout 1981, they held meetings with the Ministry of Communication. They pushed for the implementation of the Wrocław Agreement, organizing protests when necessary. Today, the Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy continues its work at 74 Targowa Street, advocating for railway workers’ rights. They represent employees from all railway companies within the PKP group and its subsidiaries. Their history is interwoven with the larger narrative of Solidarity, a movement that changed the course of Polish history. The Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy also holds a place on the international stage. They are members of the European Transport Workers Federation, headquartered in Brussels. Their commitment to workers’ rights extends beyond Poland’s borders. As you stand before 74 Targowa Street, remember the courage and determination of the railway workers who fought for their rights. The Krajowa Sekcja Kolejarzy stands as a reminder of their legacy, a legacy of solidarity and the pursuit of a more just future.