Teachers Protest in Warsaw Over Unfulfilled Wage Promises

Thousands of teachers and education workers gathered outside the Prime Minister’s office in Warsaw on August 31, demanding wage increases and a system linking teachers’ salaries to the average wage in the economy. The protest was organised by the Polish Teachers’ Union, known by its Polish initials ZNP, and was ongoing at the time covered by the research.

The demonstration was held under the slogan “Politicians to the Blackboard,” a reference to what the union described as unfulfilled promises on wage reform. The union is calling for a 15% pay increase as an initial step, with the longer-term aim of gradually bringing teachers’ salaries into line with the national average.

ZNP President Sławomir Broniarz addressed the protesters in front of the Prime Minister’s office. He stressed the need for substantial pay rises and for the implementation of the “Dignified Pay and High Prestige of Teachers” project.

According to the union’s position, the project remains pending despite support from more than a quarter of a million citizens. The protest focused on teachers’ pay and the implementation of the wage proposals associated with the project.

The union said educators remain dissatisfied with stagnant wages and commitments on wage reform that it considers unmet. The gathering in Warsaw brought those demands directly to the seat of the prime minister’s office, while the protest continued on August 31.