Trade Unions Say Rising Number of Foreign Workers in Poland is 'Threatening' Local Employees
**KEY TAKEAWAYS**
1. The number of foreign workers in Poland increased by 260,000 in 2022, reaching a total of 530,000.
2. While the foreign workforce is considered essential, it sometimes impacts Polish workers.
3. The latest EURES report indicates that Poland faces 28 shortage occupations across various sectors.
The presence of foreign workers in Poland's labor market is significantly growing, as highlighted by the Labour Market Barometer.
Specifically, Poland recorded 530,000 foreign workers in 2023, an increase of over 260,000 compared to the previous year.
Although the foreign workforce is deemed necessary for the Polish labor market, trade union representatives have expressed concerns about its impact on local employees.
To address this issue, the National Secretariat of Metalworkers of NSZZ “Solidarność” implemented two projects for migrant workers between 2020-2024. These projects, titled “Employing Foreigners and Working in a Multicultural Environment” and “Same Work, Same Pay,” provided training for 500 individuals, as revealed by NSZZ “Solidarność.”
However, it was noted that, in some cases, trade unionists did not address issues related to foreign workers at all, according to Jacek Majewski, a trainer in these projects. In other instances, unionists ensured that foreign workers were employed directly by the employer.
Additionally, Polish employers often hire foreign workers through various agencies and pay them less than Polish workers.
"Employers are not concerned with how these agencies treat people. Their main focus is on saving on employee costs. This is a short-term measure because, in the long run, the costs of external services increase, resulting in no actual profit increase," said Jacek Majewski of NSZZ “Solidarność.”
Majewski also mentioned that foreign workers often work overtime, which pressures Polish employees to do the same, even if they do not wish to.
**‘Competences of Trade Union Activists Should Be Increased’**
To address these concerns, the chairman of the National Secretariat of Metalworkers of NSZZ “Solidarność,” Grzegorz Pietrzykowski, proposed increasing the competencies of trade unionists while emphasizing the importance of the foreign workforce for the country's economy.
"We must accept that foreigners will work in Polish companies. The competencies of trade union activists should be enhanced in matters related to the employment of migrants. We cannot avoid this," stated Pietrzykowski.
**In 2023, Ukrainians Comprised 83% of Poland’s Foreign Workforce**
In 2023, Ukrainians made up 83% of Poland’s foreign workforce, largely due to the influx of Ukrainians following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022. NSZZ “Solidarność” also noted that the number of work permits granted to foreigners has been steadily increasing since 2014.
Apart from Ukrainians, the most common nationalities in the Polish labor market are from Belarus, Armenia, and Uzbekistan.
**Most In-Demand Jobs in Poland**
The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses identified 28 shortage occupations in Poland across various sectors. Some of the most in-demand roles include:
- Building construction laborers
- Earthmoving and related plant operators
- Drivers (heavy truck, lorry, bus, and tram)
- Building and related electricians
- Metalworking machine tool setters and operators
- Toolmakers and related workers
- Welders and flame cutters
However, the report does not provide data on surplus occupations in Poland.