Solidarity criticizes a minimum salary increase. Duda: This is a shame for this government.

The chairman of NSZZ “Solidarity” Piotr Duda criticized the ordinance on the amount of minimum wage and the minimum hourly rate in 2026 on Sunday during the 43rd National Pilgrimage of Working People to Jasna Góra, he assessed that it was a shame for the government of Donald Tusk.

Pursuant to the Regulation from January 1, 2026 in Poland, the minimum wage will be PLN 4806 gross, and the minimum hourly rate PLN 31.40 gross. This is an increase in the minimum wage by PLN 140 gross, and the minimum hourly rate by 90 gross.

– The regulation signed by the Prime Minister (Donald Tusk – PAP) regarding the minimum wage for next year and the hourly rate is a shame for this government. Because the hourly rate next year will increase by 90 gr. This is 90 groszy of shame for this government. But when I observe representatives of this government, including the prime minister, they have no shame – said Piotr Duda.

The Union's leader emphasized that “Solidarity” demands talks at the forum of the Social Dialogue Council. During its July meeting, a common position on the minimum wage and the minimum hourly rate in 2026 was not developed.

– We want to talk, but there is a deaf silence on the other side. There is no dialogue site – noted Piotr Duda.

He signaled that one of the topics for talks is the issue of green order, which – in his opinion – leads to the deterioration of the situation in the country, including increases in energy prices, group layoffs and liquidation of workplaces.

Piotr Duda pointed out that in 2025 “Solidarity” celebrates his 45th anniversary. He said that it was 45 years of hard work, and the relationship was not afraid at that time and is still not afraid of talks at the level of workplaces, regions or the country.

– As we always can do it, we can do it because we are one. (…) That's why we have survived and we operate these 45 years, because we have not divided into individual professional groups or industries. We are a uniform trade union, just as the strikers in 1980 wanted – said Piotr Duda.

He reminded that “Solidarity” has a record in the statute about the basis of its activities “on the basis of Christian ethics and Catholic social science.” He pointed out that the annual nationwide pilgrimage of working people is a demonstration of faith and attachment to these values.

The speech of the chairman of “Solidarity” was preceded by the main ceremonies at the Jasna Góra Hill within the 43rd National Pilgrimage of Working People. She came to Jasna Góra under the slogan: “In Fathers, give perseverance, Mary …”.

The nationwide pilgrimage of working people is a continuation of the initiative of the blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko, who in 1982 led the Way of the Cross for Huta Warsaw workers in Jasna Góra. His idea turned into a nationwide pilgrimage over time.

Blessed Fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko is the patron of NSZZ “Solidarność”.

Jasna Góra in Częstochowa is one of the most important Marian shrines both in Poland and in all of Europe. There is a Pauline monastery (Saint Paul's Order). The most valuable artifact and the most important symbol of Jasna Góra is the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa, to whom numerous miracles are attributed. The defense of Jasna Góra during the Swedish invasion is one of the important symbols in the history of Poland.

In 2024, Jasna Góra was visited by over 4 million pilgrims (PAP)

Pato/ MHR/