Regional Project on Labour Relations and Social Dialogue Annual Review 2013 Poland ­Labour Relations and Social Dialogue Author: Michał Polakowski 1 , Executive Summary Poland’s economy belongs to one of the fastest developing in the EU. However, the dire social situation continues, especially in terms of youth unemployment. Along very small dynamics of jobs creation, the real growth of wages is marginal. The labour market restructuring is apparent as the atypical employment is maintained, especially among the youngest workers. Also in 2012-2013, the public spending is driven by the paradigm of fiscal consolidation. The spending from the Labour Found is significantly restricted and random wage increases for employees in the public sector. On the taxation side, the tax-free amount and taxation thresholds have been frozen and the higher VAT levels have been maintained. Such measures hit the poorest strata of the society. Importantly, the unions left the Tripartite Commission in the mid-2013, but also regional commissions for social dialogue. The unionisation remains low, especially in the private sector. However, in September 2013 three confederations organised a major, 4 days-long event. This joint action might be a sign of increased coordination among biggest unions in Poland. 1 Dr. Michał Polakowski(34) holds PhD in Public Policy and Policy Analysis from Maastricht University (Netherlands). He is a public policy analyst dealing with social policy, labour market and labour relations, affiliated to International Centre for Research and Analysis in Warsaw. 1