Municipal workers get 3% pay increase

Around 10000 childcare workers in private institutions will see their pay increase by at least 3% this month as new regulations introduced by the labour ministry are implemented. Those on lower pay rates will get a 3.3% increase with a minimum of EUR 50. The pay rises are welcomed by the vida and GPA-djp trade unions that see these as a significant improvement for the women-dominated sector and as a contribution to tackle pay inequality. There will also be new rules to allow appropriate experience in similar work, including time worked in other countries, to be taken into account in career

Members of the Solidarity trade union employed by the local authority and municipal companies in Szczecin in North West Poland organised a protest on 29 December outside the City Hall calling for a pay rise for the many workers carrying out essential services and often arduous work. The demands cover around 6000 workers providing a range of services from water and waste to early years education and nursing homes. The union has called for a PLN 1000 (€220) pay rise and estimates that some 50% of the 6000 workers are on the minimum wage of PLN 3000 (€660). The action followed an earlier protest

Water board employees have voted to accept a new collective agreement that includes a 3.5% pay increase backdated to 1 January this year with a further 3.25% rise as of 1 April 2019. The deal also includes a EUR 500 lump sum payment and changes to the individual choice budget worth a further 0.75% of salary. The individual choice budget allows workers to choose how they take improvements in pay and conditions - for example through increased leave or other benefits. The FNV trade union will also be talking to management about performance-related pay.