Teacher salary adjustments and budget disputes in Slovakia and Poland

Teacher compensation remains a point of contention in Slovakia and Poland as educators face varying wage adjustments and economic pressures.

In Slovakia, new salary scales implemented in early 2026 have raised the gross monthly starting salary for teachers to approximately 1,330.50 euros, including a new performance-based supplement. Despite these increases, entry-level salaries remain at roughly 78% of the national average wage. Data indicates that while most economic sectors saw real wage growth in 2026, the education sector has struggled, with Slovakia previously ranking among the worst in the EU for teacher pay decreases relative to the cost of living.

In Poland, the Polish Teachers' Union (ZNP) has criticized the 2027 state budget proposal, which suggests a 3% increase in teacher wages. The union argues this amount is insufficient to maintain parity with the broader economy or to address staffing shortages. The ZNP is instead demanding a 15% increase in base salaries starting January 1, 2027, claiming that previous adjustments have failed to fully compensate for the loss of purchasing power caused by inflation.