Polish Unions Propose Over 8% Wage Increase in 2027

Polish trade unions have put forth a joint proposal for substantial wage increases in 2027, aiming for significant improvements for public sector workers and minimum wage earners. The proposal, submitted by major unions including NSZZ "Solidarność," OPZZ, and the Forum Związków Zawodowych, outlines specific targets for salary adjustments and benefit indexation.

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As every year, wage negotiations have started in the Social Dialogue Council. Social partners will try to reach an agreement on the amount of the minimum wage for next year, increases in the public sector, and the indexation of retirement and disability benefits.

For employees in the state budget sphere, the unions are demanding a minimum wage increase of 15%. This significant hike aims to address current wage levels and improve the financial standing of public service workers. Alongside this, the unions propose that the minimum wage should rise by 8.2% starting in January 2027, ensuring it does not fall below 5,200 PLN gross.

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We have learned about the joint proposal of the trade unions in the mentioned areas: regarding wages in the state budget sphere, they propose that the increase should be no less than 15%.

Furthermore, the unions have detailed their proposed indexation mechanism for pensions and retirement benefits. They suggest that the annual adjustment should not be less than the average annual inflation rate for pensioners and retirees, increased by at least 50% of the real growth in average wages in 2026. This approach seeks to protect the purchasing power of seniors and ensure their benefits keep pace with economic progress.

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In turn, the minimum wage should, in their opinion, increase from January 2027 by 8.2% (i.e., not less than PLN 394). As a result, it cannot be lower than PLN 5,200 gross.

These proposals are now part of the ongoing negotiations within the Social Dialogue Council, where labor unions, employers, and the government will discuss and attempt to reach an agreement on various economic and social issues for the upcoming year. Both employers and the government are expected to present their own positions following the unions' submission.

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As for the indexation of rents and pensions, according to trade unionists, it should not be lower than the average annual consumer price index for the households of pensioners and retirees, increased by at least 50% of the real growth of average wages for work in 2026.