Poland's ZUS faces possible nationwide strike after staff wage‑raise referendum

Employees of the Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych (ZUS) have staged a two‑hour warning strike on 17 June, with 73 % of staff present at work participating. The strike was part of a broader protest against low salaries and increasing workloads, and it was followed by an online referendum that will remain open until 6 July. If at least half of ZUS’s workforce votes and a majority backs the call, workers would gain the right to a mass, indefinite walk‑out that could halt the payment of key benefits to millions of Poles.

In the town of Biłgoraj, ZUS staff joined the warning action but kept the local office open, ensuring that customers were still served despite the protest. Union demands include a gross monthly pay rise of 1,200 zł per employee, while ZUS management has offered a 220 zł increase plus a one‑time 4,000 zł bonus, which unions deem insufficient. The dispute highlights tensions over staffing levels, expanding responsibilities, and the financial limits of the agency.