Minimum Wage in Poland in 2026: What Changes Are Coming

As reported by infor.pl, negotiations are underway in Poland regarding the minimum wage for 2026. Three options are currently on the table — 4,806 PLN, 5,015 PLN and 4,716 PLN gross.

What are the government, trade unions and employers proposing? When will the final decision on the minimum wage in Poland for 2026 be made? We have put together the key information for you.

Government Proposal

According to the government's proposal, from 1 January 2026 the minimum wage is to be set at 4,806 PLN gross. This is 140 PLN more than the current rate in 2025 (4,666 PLN), representing a 3% increase. At the same time, the minimum hourly rate is also set to rise — from 30.20 PLN to 31.40 PLN.

This increase is controversial. On one hand, it meets the statutory minimum; on the other, against the backdrop of inflation and rising living costs it looks modest and, in the view of some experts, does not safeguard purchasing power.

What Happens Next?

The government's proposal will now go before the Social Dialogue Council — a tripartite body comprising representatives of employees, employers and the government. They have 30 days to reach an agreement. If no compromise is achieved, the government will set the minimum wage independently — the corresponding regulation must be published by 15 September.

Trade Unions' Position

Trade unions are demanding a larger increase — at least to 5,015 PLN gross, meaning a rise of 349 PLN (7.48%). In their view, the government's proposed increase does not compensate for inflationary losses and does not ensure a real income rise for the lowest-paid workers. In addition, the unions are calling for:

• wage growth across the economy of at least 9.05%;
• salary increases in the public sector of at least 12%.

What Are Employers Proposing?

Employer organisations consider the government's proposal too high. They advocate a limited increase — no more than 50 PLN. The business community is also pushing for a new mechanism to be introduced from 2027 — setting the minimum wage at 60% of the median wage in the country. In their opinion, this would provide a more predictable and fair system.

What Does the Law Say?

Polish legislation stipulates that the minimum wage must grow every year by at least the forecast inflation rate. If in the first quarter of the year it falls below half of the average wage, it must be additionally increased by 2/3 of the projected real GDP growth.

The government therefore has certain constraints, while at the same time retaining the ability to make the final decision based on economic forecasts.

When Will We Find Out the Minimum Wage in Poland for 2026?

Although the government has already presented its proposal, the final decision on the minimum wage level will be made in the coming weeks. Negotiations within the Social Dialogue Council promise to be difficult, as the parties — the government, trade unions and employers — hold substantially different views. It is expected that the minimum wage in Poland will be announced by 15 September 2025. This decision will affect over 3 million workers in Poland.

Based on materials from infor.pl