Nurses’ Union Moves to Block Pay Rises for Contract Workers

The All-Poland Trade Union of Nurses and Midwives has officially urged hospital directors to exclude medical staff on contracts and civil law agreements from upcoming July salary increases.

A Deep Divide in the Medical Sector

A significant rift has emerged within the Polish healthcare system. The All-Poland Trade Union of Nurses and Midwives (OZZPiP) has issued an official stance that has caused widespread controversy. Rather than advocating for universal pay rises, the union has aligned with the Ministry of Health to block salary increases for medical professionals working under contract or civil law arrangements.

Union Directives Target Hospital Management

The OZZPiP is actively disseminating instructions to hospital administrators nationwide. The union has prepared standardized templates for local branches to submit directly to directors, aiming to ensure that additional funds are restricted to a select group of employees.

Concerns Over Potential Ward Paralysis

The medical community has reacted with indignation. Critics argue that many professionals are forced into contract work by cost-cutting employers rather than by choice. Denying them raises during an inflationary period could trigger a wave of resignations, potentially paralyzing hospital departments.

Differing Perspectives on Employment Structure

While critics see the move as harmful, the union defends its position, viewing the exclusion of contract workers from state-funded raises as a historic breakthrough. They claim this approach is intended to stabilize and fix the employment structure within Polish hospitals, intensifying the conflict between salaried employees and contract staff.