The agreement between NSZZ “Solidarity” and the government marks a turning point. A bill aimed at terminating the bridging pension will be published soon. Workers in particularly difficult conditions are expected to qualify for early retirement, according to Piotr Duda, the chair of NSZZ “Solidarność.”
Historic accord between the government and “Solidarity”
Speaking in Huta Stalowa Wola, Piotr Duda explained that the deal he intends to sign with the prime minister stands as a historic moment. It represents the first time since 1991 that the union leadership has formalized an agreement with the government across more than one industry.
He acknowledged that the talks were challenging.
This consensus demonstrates that dialogue can work in the country, provided there is genuine willingness to reach common ground. Duda emphasized that compromise is often essential.
He noted that a central point under negotiation was a bill designed to prevent the gradual phasing out of the bridging pension process, expressing hope that it would reach parliament promptly. He described this as a historical objective.
As Duda put it, Lech Kaczyński would be proud of the effort to revisit this aim. With the signing and the ongoing legislative process in the Sejm, workers who perform demanding, specialized jobs, such as those at Huta Stalowa Wola, would be able to pursue early bridging retirement.
He underscored that the agreement embodies solidarity toward fellow workers and people in general. Another immediate area of focus, he added, would be changes to the minimum wage law.
From the minimum wage, for example, we exclude allowances for night work
For the first time in years, in collaboration with the government, practical solutions were developed to exclude individuals working under what are called rubbish contracts, that is, hourly rates, from night work allowances and seniority allowances within the minimum wage framework.
– said Duda in Huta Stalowa Wola.
He asked why an allowance would be included in the minimum wage simply because it is labeled as such.
Duda added that allowances for work in hazardous and damaging conditions will not be counted among the minimum rates. He assessed that the government handled this issue responsibly and aligned with Solidarity’s proposal.
The chair of Solidarity also discussed support for energy-intensive companies.
A further tranche of support for energy-intensive firms is planned. In practical terms, this means that businesses like the zinc smelter in Śląskie could continue operating rather than facing bankruptcy or liquidation, according to prior government aid arguments.
From April 1 to year end, a monthly PLN 600 bonus for DPS employees
A solution has been found to provide a monthly PLN 600 bonus for DPS employees from April 1 through the end of the year. There are about 55,000 individuals in this category, which will be addressed by the new measure.
In addition, urgent discussions and policy considerations are being pursued regarding social workers and the company social benefits fund, a feature present in most firms. This work will continue with the aim of delivering practical changes that support employees across the board.