Andrzej Duda: "This vote is fundamentally important". Consultation on the law on health premiums for entrepreneurs

On Monday, May 5, public consultations were held at the Presidential Palace with the participation of representatives of the Social Dialogue Council. The topic of the meeting was the law assuming a reduction in health premiums for entrepreneurs, adopted by the Sejm at the end of April. President Andrzej Duda noted that he is keen to hear the voices of social partners before deciding whether to sign the document.

- The important thing is that this law was not consulted with the Social Dialogue Council, which I consider an unacceptable situation," the President stressed as he opened the meeting. - Therefore, as the one who exercises a kind of patronage over the RDS, I wanted to hear your opinion before making a decision.

The consultations were attended by representatives of trade unions (NSZZ "Solidarność", OPZZ, Forum of Trade Unions), employers' organizations (including Confederation Lewiatan, Employers of Poland, Polish Crafts Association, BCC, ZPP, FPP), as well as experts and members of presidential councils.

Trade unions opposed to the bill

- The time of exploiting salaried workers is over," assessed Piotr Duda, chairman of the Solidarity Trade Union. He recalled that a similar situation occurred more than a decade ago, when so-called "junk contracts" were promoted. - If someone wants to pay a lower premium, he or she must expect to receive a worse benefit, he added.

Duda pointed out that the new law introduces a social injustice - the health premium reduction would only apply to businesses, while employees and retirees would continue to pay the full rate.

The unions also stressed the lack of information from the government on other issues. - We learn about the changes, including those concerning a free Christmas Eve, from the media," said Piotr Duda.

Divided positions

President Duda acknowledged that the voices of the circles are divided. - At least some of those involved in the business market have a different opinion, he said. - There are two points of view, so I wanted to hear your voice directly.

He stressed that he would make a decision only after the consultations, the need for which he had already signaled during the National Congress of Delegates of the Solidarity Trade Union.

What's next for the bill?

The Sejm passed the law on April 4, 2025. The document is currently awaiting the signature of the Polish President, who has until May 15 to make a decision. Representatives of the opposition - including Deputy Senate Speaker Magdalena Biejat and Together Party Chairman Adrian Zandberg - had earlier appealed to the President to veto the bill.

Source: President.co.uk