Polish Round Table Negotiations

Name

Institution

Date

Polish Round Table Negotiations

Introduction

The negotiations under discussion took place in Warsaw, specifically in Poland, in 1989 between 6 February and 5 March. Notably, the major parties who had a massive interest in these negotiations were the government and trade union regulators. Specifically, the government officials became aware that social unrest was advancing rapidly during the early months of 1989, and they saw it vital to intervene to discourage further social-based disturbances. The above negotiations were vital to both parties in the sense that minimal economic losses were witnessed. Besides, the negotiations were geared towards creating an enabling environment where both parties could operate smoothly.

Conflict

The conflict gained momentum since the Warsaw-based government was against the formation of trade unionism that the top trade regulators initiated.  When it came to the party’s goals towards the conflict, the government wanted to crack down on the unionism foundations that had been built by the traders (Porter, 1999). On the other hand, the traders wanted to make sure that they trade in a market that is free from excessive government regulations. Under this scenario, it is the government’s power to ensure that this particular market operates legally devoid of a law violation (Druckman, Bulska & Jochemczyk, 2019). The powers of trade unionism include the freedom to trade freely while minding the paramount right of the traders to operate freely.

Round one

The first round of Polish Round Table Negotiations took place on 6 February 1989 in Warsaw. There were only two parties; the government and the Polish Communist party (Porter, 1999). Notably, these parties had conflicting powers. However, it was concluded that a certain percentage of opposition members needed to be included in the government’s proceedings.

Round two

The second round of negotiations was evidenced when free-market advocators were to legalize the Solidarity Trade Union, and it took place on 5 April 1989. According to Porter (1999), the above union supporters were more powerful since they initiated the conduction of free elections while eliminating the authoritarian rule.

Round three

According to Porter (1999), the third round of negotiations was held on 4 June 1989, and they were geared towards amending a rule that supports runoffs after elections. Notably, the Solidarity team won the negotiations because its members won a considerable percentage of the contested seats against the government (Porter, 1999).

Analysis and conclusion

Polish Round Table Negotiations made a significant transition in Poland’s history. Overly, Poland’s citizens, specifically in Warsaw, could now trade smoothly due to unionism’s rigid support. Besides, the negotiations between the two parties contributed hugely to instigating Poland’s citizens’ liberations since equality was considered when it came to contesting top government positions.

References

Druckman, D., Bulska, D., & Jochemczyk, Ł. (2019). Turning Points at the Round Table

Talks. Social Psychological Bulletin, 14(4), 1-17.

Porter, B. (1999). The 1989 Polish Round Table Revisited: Making History. The Journal of

International Institute. Retrieved from https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jii/4750978.0006.301/–1989-polish-round-table-revisited-making-history?rgn=main;view=fulltext Accessed 13 March 13, 2021.