Biznes Fakty
Minimum wage 2026. Proposed increase. How much net, gross and net?
A proposal from three labor unions suggests raising the minimum wage in 2026 to PLN 5,015 gross (around PLN 3,750 net). In a letter to the Minister of Finance, the unions also request a 12 percent salary increase in the „public sector”.
In a collaborative proposal sent to the Minister of Finance, Andrzej Domański, the NSZZ Solidarność union, the Trade Union Forum (FZZ), and the All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions (OPZZ) are advocating for wage increases in the national economy for 2026, which includes the public sector, alongside an increase in the minimum wage.
Minimum wage in 2026. Suggested increase
The unions are advocating for the minimum wage to rise to at least PLN 5,015 gross starting January 2026. This represents an increase of PLN 349, or 7.48 percent, compared to the prior year.
With this gross salary, employees could anticipate a minimum net wage of PLN 3,748.97.
– I am pleased that three representative labor union centers were able to come together to create a unified proposal regarding next year’s minimum wage increase. I hope we can swiftly reach an agreement on this matter with the other members of the Social Dialogue Council, – stated Piotr Duda, chairman of the National Commission of NSZZ „Solidarność”.
Currently, in 2025, the minimum wage is set at PLN 4,666 gross per month, which equates to approximately PLN 3,511 net. The hourly wage stands at PLN 30.50 gross – about PLN 24 net.
Union representatives seek salary increases
The three unions are also calling for a 12 percent increase in public sector salaries in 2026. „This is not merely an effort to rectify years of oversight, but also a crucial measure to prevent the exodus of skilled workers,” OPZZ clarified.
As union representatives highlighted, in April of this year, the salary in the corporate sector surpassed PLN 9,000, whereas many budgetary units still report earnings that are significantly lower by several dozen percent.
„This increase is strongly justified both economically and socially. Firstly, it will assist in compensating for the rising cost of living. Secondly, it will help maintain the minimum wage to average salary ratio at 52.7 percent. Thirdly, it will address the issue of the so-called working poor, individuals whose earnings, despite being employed, do not suffice for a decent standard of living,” the statement detailed.
Union representatives argue that „the absence of changes in the salary determination model in the public sector (…) has led this sector to lose its competitive edge in the job market,” resulting in „some institutions experiencing a vacancy rate of 15-20%, with recruitment efforts frequently proving unsuccessful.”
