Will Schools Be Closed in September? Teachers Set June 30 Decision

26 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A national teachers strike Poland decision is due June 30. Parents should prepare for possible disruptions to the September school opening.

Teachers Set June 30 Decision The national teachers’ union ZNP warns it will decide on June 30 whether to escalate protests. Consequently, the union says a teachers strike Poland could affect the September school opening.

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Why June 30 matters

The ZNP central board meets on June 30. Moreover, 61 representatives from across Poland will vote. Therefore, they will weigh options from pickets to a legal strike. However, leaders say simple poster campaigns no longer suffice. In addition, the union cites a government plan that offers only a 3 percent raise in 2026.

Pay, stress and why educators walked this far

Teachers won big raises in 2024. Yet since then they saw only small increases. Consequently, the 2026 raise matches inflation and brings no real gain. Moreover, average corporate wages rose faster. Therefore, the pay gap widened between schools and private employers. In addition, a Warsaw University report commissioned by ZNP surveyed 1,748 teachers. It found half report high stress levels. Moreover, 60 percent reported insomnia and chronic exhaustion. As a result, only 28 percent plan to stay in the job long term.

Impact in Warsaw and local shortages

Warsaw faces the deepest staffing shortages. Moreover, the capital accounts for 45 percent of teacher vacancies in the Mazovia region. Consequently, schools already run extra hours and temporary cover. Therefore, parents in the city feel staffing pressures more than elsewhere. In addition, the city employs over 31,000 teachers. Yet about 3,000 positions remain unfilled.

What the government and unions argue

The government framed raises as steady and sustainable. However, union leaders call the offer insufficient. In addition, ZNP president Sławomir Broniarz said new duties deserve higher pay. Therefore, unions argue that normal workplace practice ties extra tasks to higher salaries. Moreover, the ZNP can pursue a collective dispute. If they do, a formal strike could follow legal notice periods.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat parent, register your child with a local school early. In Poland, the PESEL number identifies children (PESEL is a national ID number). Moreover, municipal enrollment notices and class assignments come from your city office. In addition, seek temporary childcare options if classes change at short notice. You can use private nurseries, language playgroups, or hire registered babysitters. Also, check your employer’s parental leave rules. In Poland, social insurance (ZUS) handles contributions and benefits. Meanwhile, health services come from the National Health Fund (NFZ). Therefore, keep important documents like a passport and PESEL handy for school processes.

For parents, the next days will clarify risks. Moreover, follow ZNP statements and school bulletins. Therefore, plan holidays and childcare accordingly. In addition, expect different unions to act independently. Consequently, some schools may operate while others close or run limited schedules. However, the final outcome depends on talks and any government counteroffers.

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