"We are starting a protest action". Medics have given a date
Medics in Poland have announced a protest due to delays in planned salary raises and changes to how these raises will be calculated.
The Polish Health Ministry's proposed amendment to the law regarding minimum wages in healthcare has prompted medical professionals to initiate a protest. This decision stems from the rescheduling of the annual salary adjustment for healthcare workers from July 2026 to January 2027. Additionally, the new salary increases would be based on the growth of public sector wages rather than the previous method, which was rooted in the average wage growth in the national economy from the prior year. This shift has raised concerns among medics about their financial stability and the valuation of their work.
The decision to protest was confirmed by Maria Ochman, a representative of the National Section of the Health Service within the NSZZ 'Solidarity' trade union. In a recent conversation, she emphasized that the action is already in progress, with a specific timeline established. The protest on July 1 is crucial as several promised wage increases in public healthcare remain uncertain, adding urgency to the collective actions planned by medical professionals across Poland.
The position adopted by the NSZZ 'Solidarity' not only highlights the immediate payroll issues but also reflects broader concerns about the working conditions and remuneration policy in the healthcare sector. As healthcare workers continue to navigate financial grievances amidst an evolving policy framework, the protests serve as a platform for demanding fair treatment and adequate compensation for their critical roles in society.