A Polish discussion on pension reform centers on the idea of a seniority pension, proposed by left-leaning lawmakers. They argue that retirement could be made available earlier for those who accumulate substantial years of work, including periods without earnings. In particular, the plan would allow women to retire after 35 years of work whether or not those years included contributions, and men after 40 years. The core claim is that pensions tied solely to contribution periods discriminate against women, who historically have taken longer breaks from work or earned less while raising families.
Members of the left submitted to the Sejm a bill aimed at amending the Law on Pensions and Annuities of the Social Insurance Fund, along with several related laws, to introduce a seniority pension option. The bill details retirement eligibility for individuals born after December 31, 1948, with women needing at least 35 years of contributory or non-contributory service and men at least 40 years. The pension would be awarded if the insured person qualifies for a pension based on the established formula, with the available contribution meeting or exceeding the country’s minimum pension as a threshold.
According to one of the proponent MPs, the proposed system shifts away from a plan that relies exclusively on contribution years. He emphasized that the current government design, expected to be presented to the Sejm later in the year, ties seniority pensions to the length of contribution, a framework he argues unfairly burdens women who carry a larger share of non-contributory periods.
The initiative is described as a response to the party’s election platform, which outlined several senior-focused proposals, including measures for widows, old-age pensions, and the double indexing of pensions. The bill’s authors also noted alignment with the National Agreement of Trade Unions, signaling broad labor support for seniority-based retirement options.
In contrast, a government plan submitted to the Sejm in December proposes a different path. This plan would make an old-age pension payable to individuals with a contribution history of at least 38 years for women and 43 years for men, regardless of their current age. The justification frames this as a fulfillment of a government commitment made in mid-2023 after an accord with the NSZZ Solidarność trade union federation, a move that reflects ongoing bargaining with labor groups.
Under the present pension framework, eligibility hinges on reaching specific ages: currently 60 for women and 65 for men. The pension amount typically depends on the duration of pension insurance contributions, with the minimum pension often paid to those who have met certain minimum years of contribution, which varies by gender. The debate highlights how different pension designs affect retirees and how policy choices can impact income security in later life for both sexes.
Readers seeking more context on the broader policy conversation may note the theme of seniority pensions and the potential implications for retirement planning, gender equality in the labor market, and the financial sustainability of pension systems. Discussions of this kind reflect a longer-standing tension between universal retirement ages and more flexible allowance for workers with lengthy service histories. The topic remains a live and evolving policy issue across political circles and labor coalitions. The conversation continues to evolve as lawmakers weigh competing visions for pensions and social protection. Source: wPolityce
olnk/PAP