Sejm Chancellery Pay Dispute: What’s Happening With 20 Percent Raises
The debate over a 20 percent pay rise for Sejm Chancellery staff has become a central point in Poland’s budget and governance conversations, even though the pledge from Donald Tusk in December remains unfulfilled. The decision now rests with Jacek Cichocki, the head of the Sejm Chancellery and a key ally of Marshal Hołownia. A PiS member of parliament, Waldemar Buda, framed the issue as part of Hołownia’s broader struggle with Tusk, suggesting that the agency’s employees have become political pawns in a wider tussle for power.
Before the new government was formally formed, Tusk signaled an intention to lift salaries across the budget sector by 20 percent. With government staffing not yet fully in place, the administration has already floated initiatives aimed at addressing wage policy and civil service compensation, signaling a proactive stance in setting pay policy during a transition period.
Tusk explained that the proposals included a 20 percent increase for trade union members and noted that union leaders sought clarity on when and how such raises would apply to Parliament staff. In 2024, expectations pointed to a 4 percent base salary rise, plus an additional 3.7 percent discretionary increase to be determined by office directors. These figures reflect ongoing negotiations and the friction among political actors over compensation levels for public workers during a volatile political moment.
Political circles offered additional commentary. A memo referenced a public denial of any need to halt the work of the Sejm, while questions were raised about the mandates of certain lawmakers. The sequence of statements underscored frustrations over procedural choices and their potential impact on parliamentary operations. A formal meeting occurred between Waldemar Buda and Sejm office staff, underscoring the seriousness with which staff concerns were treated and the willingness of lawmakers to engage directly with employees.
The atmosphere at the Sejm was described as reaching a boiling point. While the broader budget sector appeared poised for a 20 percent wage increase, Sejm Chancellery staff were excluded from that uplift. Observers framed this as another episode in the ongoing rivalry between Szymon Hołownia and Donald Tusk, with office personnel caught in the middle. The Sejm office head, Jacek Cichocki, reportedly decided to include 2023 salary increases in the 2024 package, a move that drew criticism for appearing to compromise fairness and expectations. In response, supporters pledged to stand with the staff in their demand for fair compensation.
A former minister of development and technology shared perspectives on the situation through social media, drawing attention to the perceived imbalance and signaling political fault lines. The broader debate touched on the mechanics of wage policy, the office’s role in setting guidelines, and the impact on how Parliament functions and how its staff is supported. The discussion also linked to earlier debates about security measures and health considerations surrounding the Sejm, which have fed into the political narrative about how public institutions manage risk and staffing during transitions.
In summation, the central dispute centers on promised wage increases for the public sector and the specific allocation for Sejm Chancellery staff. The dialogue reflects a wider contest over budget priorities, the interpretation of commitments made by political leaders, and the practical effects on the work of Parliament. The staff of the Sejm Chancellery remain a focal point as negotiations continue, with lawmakers expressing readiness to back staff and a commitment to ensuring that those who sustain the legislative process receive fair and transparent compensation. The conversation continues to evolve as stakeholders seek a resolution that aligns with aims to improve pay for civil servants while maintaining the efficiency and integrity of parliamentary operations.
— reported in coverage from political outlets and public commentary networks. See citations: wPolityce for background on the statements and public reactions.
READ ALSO: Coverage surrounding the Cichocki leadership and Hołownia’s decisions continues to shape the discourse on Sejm governance and staff welfare. The implications extend beyond salary figures, touching on governance norms and the balance of power within the Polish political landscape.
Source: wPolityce