A minimum wage dispute splits the government. ‘The image effect is fatal’

A sharp dispute broke out again in the government – this time about the minimum wage for 2026. The Ministry of Finance proposes an increase of only PLN 4.7, while trade unions and labour ministry request much greater growth. Andrzej Szeptycki (Poland 2050) does not hide disappointment: ‘The image effect is fatal’.

Minimum wage 2026: How much is it?

Currently the lowest national is PLN 4666 grossBut there are already discussions about its form next year. The 3 largest union office (OPZZ, NSZZ "Solidarity" and Trade Union ForumThey want a rise to PLN 5015. In turn Minister for household and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk (New Left) proposes PLN 5020.

Meanwhile Minister of Finance Andrzej Domanski He doesn't think so. According to him, minimum wage should only increase by 4.7 zł. . which would give PLN 4670 gross. This is simply a proposal far below forecast inflation, which caused a storm in the coalition.

“The coalition fights, the PiS found money”

The dispute broke out on the radio broadcast ‘Trójka’ where Mr Sebastian Gajewski (Levice), Deputy Minister for Labour, translated:
– If the verification indicator provided by the Act were applied, it would be PLN 3.7. We don't agree to that.

Programme manager Renata Grochal noted:
– People get a message that the coalition is arguing, that there is no money, and the Law and Justice found money for everything.

Andrzej Szeptycki (Poland 2050) added:
– I think the image effect, even if it is simply a work proposal, is terrible. We return to the fact that on 1 side there are the Warsaw elites, and on the other, people for whom this minimum wage is part of their reality.

Politicians in the fire of criticism. “Keep eating, gentlemen”

The discussion caused amusement in the studio. Paweł Kowal (KO) He grabbed his head, listening to the coalition arguments. The Blessed 1 from the Chancellery of the President commented ironically:
– Please, we have a discussion: 4.7 or 3.7 PLN increase. Keep driving, gentlemen.

Radosław Fogiel (PiS) added:
– I'm willing to give you any of my time, really.

He concluded with a smile:
– Everyone's looking at me... skeptically.

What's next with the minimum wage?

The final decision will take place in the summer, but it can already be seen that the coalition is having difficulty uncovering a common position. If the Ministry of Finance's proposal is accepted, it will mean the least increase in minimum wage in yearsWhat can happen to the harsh reaction of trade unions and society.