The Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG) has signed a landmark agreement with twelve trade union organizations to finally pay out the unfulfilled wage fund for the first half of 2026. The deal, announced on 23 June, ensures that miners will receive the overdue amounts along with their June salary.
Under the terms of the agreement, each worker will receive a lump sum calculated by multiplying the number of nominal working days between 1 January and 15 June by a daily rate based on their job group. The daily rates are as follows: underground miner – PLN 180, face miner – PLN 210, and other surface workers – PLN 120. Part‑time employees will receive a proportional amount.
The payout applies to all staff who had no unexcused absences, theft, or alcohol or drug‑related violations during the qualifying period. Those who fail to meet these criteria will be excluded from the payment.
Payment terms and conditions
– Miners will receive their money together with their June salary – said a spokesperson for Solidarność Górnicza, one of the largest unions involved. The total sum will not be included in the calculation base for other benefits such as the Miner’s Day bonus, the annual extra salary (the so‑called thirteenth month), jubilee awards, holiday pay, sick leave, or social insurance contributions.
The agreement was signed by the PGG management board, headed by CEO Łukasz Deja, and representatives of all twelve recognized trade unions. These include Zakładowa Organizacja Koordynacyjna NSZZ Solidarność, ZOK Związku Zawodowego Górników w Polsce, Komisja Zakładowa WZZ Sierpień 80, and many others.
Exclusions and impact
Workers who during the period from 1 January to 15 June had at least one day of unexcused absence, committed theft of company property, consumed alcohol at the workplace, reported to work under the influence, or used drugs in the workplace will not receive the payment. The company stressed that the one‑off payout aims to correct earlier underpayments and does not set a precedent for future wage negotiations.
The deal was concluded just days before the end of the second quarter, allowing PGG to clear its obligations and avoid escalating disputes.
Broad union support
The fact that twelve different union organizations signed the agreement underscores the unity of the workforce in pushing for overdue compensation. This broad support helped finalize negotiations quickly and avoid industrial action. PGG, Poland’s largest coal mining company, employs tens of thousands of workers across its mines. The successful conclusion of the talks is seen as a positive signal for labour relations in the sector.
The payout process starts immediately, with funds transferred together with June wages. Both sides have pledged to maintain dialogue to prevent similar shortfalls in the future.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Longfin Media / Shutterstock
