Polish teachers to launch protests over wages and working conditions

Polish teachers are preparing for organized protests starting August 31, coinciding with the start of the new school year. The Polish Teachers' Union (ZNP) has officially announced the action, citing frustration over stagnant material conditions and an increasing workload imposed by the Ministry of National Education.

A primary demand is the implementation of a citizens' initiative to link teacher salaries to the national average wage. Union representatives argue that educators have fallen behind other professions, such as police officers and nurses, in terms of compensation. Other unions, including the National Section of Education and Upbringing of NSZZ ‘Solidarność’, are also planning protests focused on wages and the ‘Compass of Tomorrow’ project.

Local groups, such as teachers from Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, plan to march to the Ministry of National Education in Warsaw to protest what they describe as unfulfilled government promises regarding the ‘Dignified Wages and High Prestige of Teachers’ project. The education sector also faces a significant staffing crisis, with over 15,000 teacher vacancies reported across the country.