The government’s plan for wage increases marks a notable step forward. It envisions a real wage rise of 5.7 percent within the state budget, a figure that stays ahead of inflation, according to Piotr Duda, head of the NSZZ Solidarity National Commission.
He stressed that the union will keep negotiating with the goal of securing a minimum 20 percent rise for the entire public finance sphere before 2024 ends. Duda highlighted that in Prime Minister Morawiecki, Solidarity has a partner who does not shy away from talks.
There will always be voices of dissatisfaction,
said Piotr Duda when asked to evaluate divergent views about the salary increases announced by the prime minister. The 2024 budget proposal would deliver a 12.3 percent rise, while critics recalled a period when Solidarity had signed a systemic agreement with the government in June. Duda noted that he had previously argued such an agreement did not spell the end of salary talks within the state budget, and subsequent negotiations proved those concerns unfounded. At that time the government proposed what he described as an inflation surcharge of 6.6 percent for 2024.
Solidarity reaffirmed its stance that the entire budgetary domain should see at least a 20 percent increase in 2024. This position was reinforced as the partnership with the government remained active, with ongoing discussions about compensation within the public finance sector.
The new plan, presented by the prime minister for next year’s budget, is viewed as a meaningful advance. It shows a real wage rise in the state budget of 5.7 percent, a rise that outpaces inflation according to the spokesperson.
Duda pointed out that this approach would prevent further salary declines for Polish workers in the budget sector and warned that many public sector employees could still find themselves earning near the minimum wage.
If the government takes Solidarity’s concerns to heart, the minimum wage could reach PLN 4,350 in the latter half of next year. Following further talks, the prime minister echoed Solidarity’s stance, and Duda expressed optimism that dialogue would continue. He emphasized the need to push for broader improvements across the budget sector, signaling progress in the right direction.
“Tensions in the Talks”
When asked about negotiations with the United Right government, Duda described the process as challenging, much like any governmental negotiation, he noted.
On the bridging-pensions agreement, the prime minister acknowledged that sparks had flown at times. Yet he urged that such sparks should be allowed to fly without triggering larger conflicts.
He added that he was available around the clock for personnel discussions and trusted that the prime minister would remain a steadfast partner in dialogue. Although past negotiations sometimes ended in stalemates, they eventually yielded deals, as happened in June. Some critics had claimed the government would shortchange workers, but the bills that followed delivered changes starting January 1. The minimum-wage law would be updated, bridging pensions would stay in place, and within 30 days a regulatory reform would protect not only trade union activists but also pregnant workers and many others who require special workplace protections. This is what genuine dialogue looks like, according to Solidarity leadership.
The head of NSZZ Solidarity noted that the union does not pursue overly restrictive demands during talks, arguing that progress comes from steady, incremental gains and a stronger negotiating position.
Describing the approach, Duda emphasized that advancing the cause means balancing ambition with pragmatism. The aim is to secure as much as possible for union members and for the broader workforce while recognizing the political calendar before the elections.
He commented that signing the system agreement had yielded tangible gains, and the prime minister’s proposal is seen as a positive step toward easing the plight of public finance workers.
The union leader urged the prime minister to acknowledge that when discussing professional merit among civil servants, fair compensation is essential; otherwise some workers may move to the private sector.
He stressed that the period before elections is a window when unions can gain important ground, and Solidarity remains committed to negotiating improvements across the budget domain.
The overall sense was that meaningful progress had been made, even as the road ahead would require further dialogue and compromise. The priority is to ensure that public service workers receive compensation that truly reflects their hard work.
In summary, Solidarity views the prime minister’s proposal as a constructive move for raising salaries in the budget sector, while continuing to pursue broader increases and protections for workers across the public-finance landscape, including uniformed services and teachers. The discussion will go on with the aim of delivering durable, fair outcomes for all involved groups.
Higher Salary
Within the 2024 budget, workers in the budget sector, public services, and uniformed services are slated for a 12.3 percent salary increase. The prime minister announced this during a briefing on the draft budget for 2024, noting that the raise would surpass inflation.
The focus extends to all roles within the budget framework, including uniformed services, firefighters, soldiers, police, border guards, and other public employees, as well as teachers and the broader public sector. The prime minister stated that everyone in the budget domain could expect higher pay, with the increase set at 12.3 percent. He also mentioned ongoing talks involving the finance minister, the defense minister, and the interior and administration minister to determine when these raises would take effect for various groups.
The government indicated readiness to implement the increases at the start of the year, with the overall wage rise expected to outpace next year’s inflation by about 6.6 percent. A broader read across the budget highlighted a commitment to recognizing the hard work of public sector personnel, including teachers and other workers who contribute to the public system.
The discussion about wage growth and structural reforms continues in government circles as the new fiscal year approaches, with an emphasis on ensuring that compensation keeps pace with productivity and living costs within the public sector.