The purpose of the Independent and Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarność” (NSZZ “Solidarność”) is to protect the dignity, rights and employment-related interests of its members, including their professional and social interests. In particular, the Union seeks to safeguard employees’ rights with regard to the performance of their professional duties, remuneration, social and living conditions, occupational health and safety, and to participate in shaping the University’s activities in a manner that supports the fulfilment of its fundamental functions: research, teaching and education.

The Union pursues its objectives, among other means, by:

• representing its members in relations with the employer,

• concluding and terminating collective labour agreements and other agreements with the employer,

• providing legal assistance and intervening in matters falling within the Union’s scope of activity,

• monitoring compliance with labour law and supervising compliance with occupational health and safety regulations and principles; taking measures provided for by law where threats to employees’ life or health arise; ensuring periodic inspections of workplaces; and issuing opinions on and initiating draft legal acts concerning matters within the remit of trade unions,

• cooperating with the competent state authorities in the preparation and adoption of legal regulations concerning employees’ interests,

• cooperating with the authorities of the University of Lodz within the scope provided for by law,

• initiating and organising mutual assistance among Union members,

• providing financial assistance to Union members,

• taking measures to ensure that Union members and their families receive an appropriate share of benefits provided from the social benefits fund and other employer funds,

• conducting educational and cultural activities,

• establishing, on the basis of partnership, cooperation with other trade unions, in particular those operating in academic, educational and teaching environments.