Poland's Minimum Wage to Rise by 18%. What Are Ukrainians Being Offered?

In January 2024, Poland's minimum wage will reach 3,222 złoty (29,810 hryvnias). This increase will be the largest in the past 15 years.

Ukrainians living and working in Poland may see this as a reason not to consider other Western destinations for employment, according to representatives of the international recruitment agency Gremi Personal.

According to a survey conducted by the agency in November, only 20% of respondents expressed a clear intention to stay in Poland, 13% plan to remain for up to 5 years, 11% are staying for at least a year, and 10% for six months. The most popular answer was "hard to say" — 46%. The survey was completed by 560 respondents.

The agency explains that the rise in the minimum wage is most beneficial for workers in low-skilled positions — particularly those doing simple jobs at plants and factories. However, for highly skilled workers such as electricians, welders, seamstresses, and mechanics, this news is not financially attractive: they previously earned 30% more than ordinary workers, and from January their rates will be levelled. As a result, highly skilled specialists will need to further develop their qualifications in order to earn more. In addition, employers may face significant pressure due to the increase in labour costs.

Currently, women without language skills or a specialisation are being offered simple positions such as packing clothes in a warehouse, producing and packaging semi-finished goods, freezing vegetables and fruit, and making and packing Christmas decorations. The minimum hourly rate for such positions is 19 złoty per hour (177 hryvnias). Positions requiring a narrower specialisation — such as seamstress, baker, or cook — offer from 250 hryvnias per hour.

"The new Polish government is confirming its readiness to maintain partnership and cooperation with Ukraine, promising to provide more support to the Ukrainian army. This demonstrates a commitment to creating a safe and stable environment for all citizens who choose Poland as their place of work and residence. Such measures will foster the development of partnership between the two countries and support sustainable economic growth" — says Damian GutzMan, Deputy General Director of the international recruitment agency Gremi Personal