Labour Research October 2014

European news

Polish union rates

Levels of unionisation in Poland have remained largely unchanged over the last eight years, although they are only half the level they were 20 years ago, according to the latest figures from the public opinion research institute CBOS which provides the best information on union density in Poland.

The latest figures, which relate to the position in May this year, show that 12% of employees are union members. This is up on the 10% recorded in 2013, but very similar to the results from earlier surveys dating back to 2006. These variations are probably a result of the relatively small sample size, rather than reflecting real change.

Although only 12% of Poles are in unions, a much higher percentage (39%) work in companies or organisations where unions are present.