Minister offers cop reps sitdown

The meeting in Warsaw would be part of the Social Dialogue Forum, ministry spokesperson Małgorzata Woźniak said.

Woźniak said the meetings are cyclical aimed at resolving social issues connected with the uniformed services. "The ministry wants dialogue with the unions, which is why the minister will be in these talks,” she said.

Some members of the Federation of Uniformed Services' Trades Unions (FZZSM) have already formed an inter-voivodship protest committee and on Monday organised protests in Warsaw, near the prime ministerial office and interior ministry.

The unions want legislation introduced that would modernise the uniformed services and streamline regulations governing pay and holidays. They also demand wage hikes in some areas.

“We want to hear the minister tell us if there is even a plan to resolve these problems,” head of the Greater Poland management of the NSZZ "Solidarność" trade union Andrzej Szary said.

The union's demands were sent to the minister on 11 June. If the financial demands are not met, Szary said, the unions would organise demonstrations in Warsaw in July.

The ministry has said the uniformed services had been granted wage rises in 2009 and 2012. (jh)