In a significant episode of social unrest, soldiers stationed in Gdynia targeted workers stepping off trains who were protesting against rising food prices and deteriorating economic circumstances. The protests stemmed from growing discontent among the population regarding the government's inability to manage the economy effectively. As workers from the surrounding areas started to gather to express their dissatisfaction, tensions escalated. Misinformation and heightened security fears by authorities resulted in an extreme response from the military. When armed soldiers confronted the crowd, unprovoked gunfire erupted, leading to a tragic loss of life as many protesters were struck down. The night would see dozens bleed out in the streets of Gdynia, marking a grim milestone in Poland's labor history.

This tragic event did not occur in isolation, as it was part of a broader wave of worker protests that swept across Poland during this period. The government's oppressive tactics against the working class fueled anger and widespread demonstrations in different cities including Szczecin and Gdańsk. In the aftermath, public outrage grew, leading to increased calls for reform. This period served as a precursor to significant national movements aimed at altering the socio-economic landscape of Poland.

The Gdynia shooting was a turning point for both the Polish government and its citizens. It catalyzed a wave of strikes and demonstrations against the regime and led to greater international focus on Poland's human rights situation. As worker solidarity grew stronger, it laid the groundwork for later movements such as Solidarity that played pivotal roles in dismantling the communist regime in Poland.