Employees of Poland’s Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) protested in Warsaw on April 27, 2026, demanding higher wages and increased staffing levels.
ZUS Employees Protest in Warsaw
Employees of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) are protesting in central Warsaw. The picket was scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in front of the Ministry of Finance at 12 Świętokrzyska Street.
The protest is the latest stage in a wage dispute led by trade unions operating within ZUS.
Demands for Fair Compensation and Adequate Staffing
Union representatives are demanding higher wages, adjustments to staffing levels to match the workload, and a systemic solution to the institution’s funding problems. Participants include ZUS employees from various units – branches, inspectorates, and local offices.
Organizers describe the protest as a joint effort for “dignity and fair wages.”
Specific Wage Increase Request
The main demands include a real increase in base wages for all employees, a reduction in workload, and an adjustment of the number of positions to the tasks assigned to ZUS. Union representatives also point to the need for systemic changes to address the underfunding of the institution by the Ministry of Finance.
A key demand is a base wage increase of approximately 1200 PLN gross per position. Unions explain that the protest is due to low wages, a growing number of responsibilities, and a lack of agreement in wage negotiations with the employer.
Background: Previous Protest Actions
The current picket follows an occupation protest at ZUS headquarters in Warsaw, which began in early April. Representatives from over a dozen trade unions demanded talks with representatives from the Ministry of Finance, citing issues beyond wages, including overtime, stress, and increasing workloads.
Prior to the Warsaw protest, solidarity actions took place outside ZUS offices in various parts of the country, including Drawsko Pomorskie, Płock, Sanok, Bielsko-Biała, and Oława.
Wage Offer Disagreement
The dispute also concerns wage increase proposals made during negotiations with the employer. Employees are demanding 1200 PLN per position, while initial government proposals offered increases of 180–200 PLN to the base wage, which the union side deemed insufficient.
Systemic Issues and Funding Concerns
ZUS employees argue that the institution is taking on more tasks related to serving citizens, benefits, and social programs, but the increase in responsibilities is not matched by increased employment or funding. Organizers believe that without changes to the budget and personnel policy, the problem will worsen.
The picket is intended as a signal to the government and the ministry responsible for public funds, urging them to treat the issue of ZUS wages as a systemic problem, not a one-time wage dispute.
As of now, no information has been released regarding a settlement to end the protest.