Starting September 1, 2026, eligible teachers will lose access to 12-month health leaves in exchange for seniority retirement benefits.
New Retirement Requirements
Teachers who began work before January 1, 1999, and have at least 30 years of service—including a minimum of 20 years working at least half-time in education—will qualify for seniority retirement. This applies only if they do not already have the right to retire regardless of age under Article 88(2a) of the Teacher’s Charter.
Health Leave Replaced with Shorter Spa Leave
Teachers transitioning to seniority retirement will no longer be eligible for health leaves typically lasting 12 months. Instead, they will be entitled to spa leaves limited to a maximum of one month.
Political Dispute Over Policy Origins
Educational trade unions are engaging in a dispute over responsibility for the policy. Urszula Woźniak, vice-president of the ZNP (Teachers’ Union), stated that seniority retirements for teachers were introduced by the previous government, noting that Minister Przemysław Czarnek expedited the legislation in response to Solidarity’s demands before parliamentary elections.
