Poland: social partners failed to agree on minimum wage for 2012

“Unacceptable decision” for unions.  At the last plenary meeting of the tripartite committee (unions-employers-government), the trade unions vividly reacted to the government’s proposal to bring minimum wage to PLN 1,500 (about €377).  Jan Guz, leader of the OPZZ union, pointed out that, with minimum wage amounting to PLN 1,500 gross in 2012, the gap between average pay and minimum wage would be even bigger than in 2011, even though he claims the Prime Minister promised to open talks in order to bring minimum wage up to 50% of average pay.  “Apparently, the Prime Minister has not kept his promise.  This situation is only lessening the role of the tripartite committee and the importance of social dialogue” he concluded.  For his part, the Minister of Economic Affairs, Waldemar Pawlak, the only government representative at the plenary meeting, pointed out that, without this meeting of the tripartite committee, “PLN 1,500 would not have been reached.”  “We were expecting some flexibility from the government, but it turns out that the amount proposed by the government was not debatable” declared Jan Guz.  The Solidarnosc union also denounced the absence of negotiations: “This committee meeting cannot be qualified of negotiation.  It was yet another information meeting” said Henryk Nakonieczny, Solidarnosc representative.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

the plenary meeting, pointed out that, without this meeting of the tripartite committee, “PLN 1,500 would not have been reached.” “We were expecting some flexibility from the government, but it turns out that the amount proposed by the government was not debatable” declared Jan Guz. The Solidarnosc union also denounced the absence of negotiations: “This committee meeting cannot be qualified of negotiation. It was yet another information meeting” said Henryk Nakonieczny, Solidarnosc represent

…
Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
US: NLRB facilitates disciplinary action against staff representatives
The news. In a decision dated 23 September, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) endorsed a shift in approach to disciplinary sanctions applied to elected US union representatives. Under...
Denmark: government aims to tighten regulations against asbestos test fraud
The news. Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Minister for Employment and Gender Equality, presented a bill on 28 September aimed at “putting an end” to asbestos test fraud. The text...
EU: MEPs call for an obligation to assess psychosocial risks
The news. On 6 September, Members of the European Parliament approved the Employment Committee’s report on psychosocial risks by 413 votes to 210. While the Commission is preparing an...
France: 2027 draft budget plans further crackdown on sick leave
Reducing the French Social Security deficit from €22.6 billion to €12.7 billion is one of the main objectives of the draft budget for 2027, adopted by the Cabinet on 1 October. "Corrective...
6 October 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
AI: uneven integration but a global challenge for the world of work
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in business is profoundly transforming the world of work, and some occupations are now under threat. However, the full extent of its effects remains...
2
France: Ministry of Labour unveils plan to accelerate the rollout of AI
On 22 September, the French Ministry of Labour presented a plan named Impulsion IA 2027 aimed at accelerating the adoption of AI by companies and employees. It contains 12 measures applicable from...
3
Netherlands: towards a ban on housing cost deductions from migrant workers’ wages
The news. On September 10, Dutch Minister of Social Affairs and Employment Hans Vijlbrief (centre-left) sent a letter to the House of Representatives, stating that he intends to prohibit employers...
4
Germany: AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt raises concerns over labour supply and workplace cohesion
The rise of Germany’s far-right AfD, which could soon gain influence over migration policy in Saxony-Anhalt and, following elections on September 20, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well, is...
5
Denmark: introduction of a professional ID card for construction site workers
The news. On 3 September, the Danish Parliament adopted a bill introducing a mandatory professional ID card for people working on large construction sites. The card will include, among other...
6
UE: Commission proposes measures to facilitate “fair” worker mobility across the Union
The info. On 15 September, the European Commission adopted a series of measures aimed at encouraging “fair” worker mobility within the EU. It wants to remove the administrative...