Coal miners – a privileged social group in Poland under communism

Coal was the basic Polish energy resource, and at the same time its export provided the country with the necessary injections of foreign currency. During the entire period of Communist rule in Poland, miners working in hard coal mines were, on the one hand, over-exploited, while, on the other, they were granted numerous social benefits. The profession of miner was considered the most important and valuable for the country, and the miners themselves were treated as national heroes. Over time, miners' social privileges were increasingly extended. In November 1949, the government adopted a document called the “Miner's Charter”, concerning special privileges for miners in the coal mining industry. In the same year the “Distinguished Miner of Socialist Poland” decoration was introduced. However, due to the harsh conditions, there was still a shortage of manpower in the mines. To ensure maximum coal extraction, a four-brigade working system was introduced underground in 1978. As a result, the workplace was manned at all times of the day and night. One form of incentive to work in the mines was the promise of a accelerated access to housing. Many mines had canteens, separate shops, and service outlets. The mines organized the delivery of food products at lower prices. From the beginning of the 1980s, Poland entered a decade-long deep social and economic crisis. To encourage miners to make even greater efforts, 'voluntary' work on free Saturdays was introduced, which was doubled in pay and the amount thus earned was tax-free. The miners were the most highly valued occupational group in Socialist Poland, but it was the most economically exploited group. Their life was extremely difficult, although miners' salaries were much higher than in other branches of industry.