Polish Teachers' Union Slams "3 Percent" Offer, Calls Government Math Misleading

Sławomir Broniarz, the president of the Polish Teachers' Union (ZNP), voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government's latest salary offer, stating that teachers feel betrayed.

"We trusted the prime minister, we trusted the government. And what? They offer us 3 percent," Broniarz said, expressing the union's disappointment. He highlighted that the proposed increase falls far short of expectations and the union's demands.

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We trusted the prime minister, we trusted the government. And what? They offer us 3 percent.

Broniarz specifically challenged Deputy Minister Katarzyna Lubnauer's assertion of a 44% pay increase. He argued that framing the raise as a compound percentage is misleading and does not reflect the reality for educators. "She speaks of a 44% increase as a mathematician. For teachers, it works like a red flag, because their salaries, instead of hovering around the national average, are still closer to the minimum wage," he explained. The union leader emphasized that teachers' real wages have not kept pace with inflation or the cost of living, leaving them struggling financially despite their professional roles.

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She speaks of a 44% increase as a mathematician. For teachers, it works like a red flag, because their salaries, instead of hovering around the national average, are still closer to the minimum wage.