History

The Leader of Socialist Labour Decoration was established by the Polish People's Republic in 1949 and amended in 1974. It was awarded to Polish labourers in recognition of exceptional productivity and work ethic. It was permanently discontinued following the collapse of the communist regime in 1989.

From 1949-1974 the I Class Decoration was known as the Honoured Leader of Labour, while after 1974 it was known as the Honoured Leader of Socialist Labour.

There are two different versions of the I Class Decoration that differ in inscription. The first features an inscription that translates to "To Labour Leaders," while the 1974 version differs in inscription according to the grade.