The struggle of the staff at Emeis, the largest private participant in long-term care in Poland, shows us clearly how much organized trade union struggle can achieve, even in difficult circumstances and strong opposition from employers," said Anna Bacia, chairman of the trade union of care workers in Poland, OPZZ-KP, at Eflingþingi today.
OPZZ-KP was founded at the end of 2018 and the first years were characterized by conflicts and systematic opposition from employers, as Anna described. The workers' struggle was however not isolated, but enjoyed the support of the international labor movement and support from patients and their relatives, among other things through signature collections and protests outside nursing homes.
The struggle yields results despite opposition
Anna herself was dismissed from her job in 2019, after she took on the role of a trustee at Emeis, yet it is another example of the company's strong opposition to the trade union and staff attempts to secure their own rights. She described that, fortunately, she had received a great deal of support; protests were held outside nursing homes and elsewhere, and Uni Global Union supported her well.
„During a two‑year period, OPZZ‑KP had to operate almost „underground“, under very difficult conditions. Our members could not therefore accept the position of confidants for fear of losing their jobs. But in 2021 the situation changed when I got my job back by court ruling. Thus a new chapter in the struggle began,“ she said.
„In 2022, a cooperation agreement was signed and formal negotiations began with the company. At the same time, the union's strength increased, both in numbers and influence. Union members organized joint actions, collected data and demands, and built pressure in a targeted manner,“ she added.
Clear demands for better conditions
In March 2025, a formal wage dispute began with clear demands, which Anna Bacia mentioned specifically:
- Wage increases for staff outside health institutions
- Age-related payments
- Bonuses and additional payments
- Recognition and improved status of care staff
„These demands reflect the reality that staff in the care sector experience, where wages are low and the workload is high,“ she said.
Anna Bacia emphasized that the struggle had evolved from a defensive fight into a visible and public movement. „Staff have stepped forward under name and face, among other things on social media, and made their demands visible.“
Despite this, the collective bargaining concluded in February 2026 with a statement of dispute. The next step for discussion is a strike. She asks: „Is the staff ready to resort to a strike to push forward justice?“
National consensus on key issues
The struggle has also broadened. The largest trade union confederations in Poland have formed solidarity and worked on a proposal for a collective agreement for the entire care sector.
„This work has already yielded results, among other things in increased dialogue with the authorities and joint policy‑making of trade unions in the public and private sectors,“ said Anna Bacia.
Clear lesson for Iceland
„The experience from Poland shows that success cannot be achieved without conflict. It requires organization, perseverance and solidarity. It also shows that even in a difficult environment a strong labor movement can be built that drives change,“ she said, adding:
„For the Icelandic labor market this is a reminder of the importance of safeguarding workers' rights, especially in sectors where vulnerable groups work and the risk of abuse is present. When employers refuse to negotiate and respect employees' demands, the workforce must be ready to use its strongest weapons.“
„The struggle against Emeis in Poland is far from being finished, but it has already shown that solidarity makes all the difference and that changes come only when pressure is sufficient,“ said Anna Bacia at the end.
Efling partners have also been involved in wage struggle
In the discussion after the item, Önnu was interrupted by Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir, chairman Efling, about the fact that Efling members had also been dismissed from work due to their participation in the labor struggle, and that such members were, among other things, in the hall today. She also noted that Efling had been offered and had assisted Önnu and OPZZ-KP in their struggle.
Asked whether the union had received any support from the Polish authorities in its struggle, Anna Bacia said it was not: „We must fight for all our rights and wage increases ourselves.“
