Prison Service staff, organized by the Prison Service section of the Solidarity trade union, rallied for pay raises and a housing allowance earlier this week.
The demonstration began near the Prime Minister's Office, then moved to the justice ministry building and toward the houses of parliament.
“Let our protest be a clear signal to those in power. We will not be deceived, we will fight until the goal is reached,” said the Prison Service's Andrzej Mazurek, noting the force numbers about 30,000 officers.
At the justice ministry, Żurek met with a union delegation, alongside Deputy Minister Maria Ejchart, who oversees prisons, and Prison Service Director-General Renata Niziołek.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said on Tuesday that the government’s intention is to transmit the bill to parliament in the coming weeks, adding that the housing allowance proposal was already included in Cabinet's work.
The ministry said both sides agreed to continue talks, and that its goal is for the bill to move quickly through the legislative process and reach the president’s desk.
Near the parliament, Solidarity chairman Piotr Duda urged continued pressure on the government.
“The time for polite dialogue is over,” he said, arguing that authorities responded only on the eve of the protest and calling for further action to secure better pay and working conditions.
Union leaders say the dispute stems from what they view as a failure to implement an agreement providing for a housing allowance, a modernization program and pay increases for officers and civilian staff.
On September 5, the ministry said the housing allowance bill had been added to the Cabinet’s legislative agenda.
Under the proposal discussed with unions, the housing allowance would range from PLN 900 to PLN 1,800 (EUR 425, USD 500) per month, depending on where an officer serves.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP