The average monthly salary in enterprises in March this year increased nominally by 12% compared to the same period last year, amounting to 8,408.79 PLN gross. Average employment, however, decreased by 0.2% reaching 6,501.2 thousand full-time positions, reported by the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS).
We are witnessing another record in salaries. In March, the average wage surpassed 8,400 PLN gross, representing a nominal increase of 12% over the year, and almost 10% in real terms. Poles are finding themselves with progressively more money in their pockets each month, a trend expected to continue for at least the coming year. The first quarter of this year also set a record for average wages, breaking the 8,000 PLN gross barrier, translating to a nominal increase of 12.5%.
The dynamics of real wages are expected to decrease in the coming months due to rising inflation rates. However, employees will continue to pressure employers for higher raises, especially with a second minimum wage increase looming.
The latest results from the Lewiatan Index clearly show that wage pressure on employers remains strong and robust. According to the index, 92% of surveyed companies feel wage pressure, with nearly 40% believing it is increasing.
Meanwhile, employment has been declining for six consecutive months, but this drop is minimal, only 0.2%. In our view, this is evidence that the job market remains strong, as a much larger reduction in employment would be expected given the current weak economic climate in the industry.
Mariusz Zielonka, Confederation Lewiatan
