The Functions of Polish Trade Unions Their Progression toward the Soviet Pattern.

This article discusses the functions of Polish trade unions. The research material for this paper has been derived largely from Polish trade union publications. It is the contention of the author, that by examining the Polish trade union press, one can arrive at an objective presentation of the role that trade unions play in Poland. This paper will also attempt to examine the Soviet direction in which these unions have been moving. Moreover, the first to discard the tactic of trade union independence was not a trade union body but the Unity Congress of the Communist and Socialist parties. The part the unions played during the first post-war period in work competition did not take any definite organizational forms. Despite all the measures in Poland, which tend to lessen solidarity among workers, that solidarity continues to persist but its manifestations are different from the first post-war years. The fact that the trade unions, acting in concert with management, are driving workers to produce more, clearly indicates that there is no authority workers may appeal to for the redress of their grievances from the excesses of this programme. The reaction of the workers to this politicalization of all programmes, including entertainment, offered in the culture and recreation halls was to avoid them as far as possible.