Teachers Strike Spreads Across Poland

Monday is the first day of national-wide teachers strike. It is estimated that more than 70 percent of preschool, primary, middle and secondary school teachers participate in the strike, and it is virtually impossible for anyone to miss it. Most state schools are closed for indeterminate period. Although pupils may be happy the school is out, adults have a tough nut to crack.

School staff are fighting for higher remuneration. Teachers strike on salaries have stayed on the same level for 10 years, and taking into consideration the inflating cost of living, their effective income has decreased. The strike is to be held for an indefinite term. Teachers have great support from the rest of the population. Most Poles believe people employed in the education sector are underpaid.

Teachers strike arrive at their workplaces but do not teach classes. The scale of the protest is massive. Parents of schoolchildren are largely left on their own. If they have no relatives willing and able to take care of the youngest members of the family, they need to take time off work. This, in turn, if the strike continues for a long time, may disrupt operations in numerous companies.

It is difficult to assess the total cost of the strike, but experts warn the entire Polish economy may be affected by the public protest. Businesses may face employee shortages and parents will find it difficult to juggle family and professional life. The big question is, how will the state budget be affected if the government gives in to the protesters’ demands.

Mateusz Morawiecki, the head of the government, admits that talks with teachers strikes by unions are very difficult. He stated he understood the situation the teachers are in, but their demands would require rebuilding the whole system. Morawiecki stressed there is no money in the budget for increasing salaries this year.