Polish teachers' union rejects modest 2.5% pay raise amid broader wage growth debate

The Polish teachers' union (ZNP) announced it will not accept the government's proposal to raise teachers' salaries by 2.5%, which would amount to an extra 130‑180 zł gross per month. Union president Sławomir Broniarz labeled the offer "deeply unfair" and said it does not reflect teachers' effort or the rising average wage in the economy. Vice‑president Urszula Woźniak highlighted that the national average monthly salary reached 8 161 zł in 2024 and 9 562 zł in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the gap.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a graph of wage growth on X, captioned "Wzrost płac. Po to rządzimy" ("Wage growth – that's why we govern"). Analysts at Bank Pekao pointed out that Polish salaries, when converted to euros, have doubled over the past five years and tripled over a decade, signalling improved competitiveness but also raising concerns for industry costs and future investment.

The union says it will seek further negotiations with the Ministry of Education, while government officials stress that 2024 saw the strongest real wage growth in Poland's 21st‑century history.