The nail in the coffin? Pandemic and social dialogue in Poland

Purpose In the context of debates on role social partners in shaping anti-crisis policies, article explores developments dialogue Poland following outbreak pandemic. The central research question is whether crisis has helped to revitalise or it further revealed its weaknesses that were apparent before it. Design/methodology/approach paper based combination literature review and analysis primary data derived from 22 expert interviews with representatives trade unions, employers ministries collected 2020–2021 four essential industries (education, health care, care logistics). Findings suggests pandemic led reinforcement “illusory corporatism” Poland, deepened mistrust among triggered a shift informal channels influencing policymaking. weakness strong position right-wing populist government meant fears recession insufficient develop “crisis” corporatism. While business interests represented better than labour policymaking, limited labour-friendly outcomes have been achieved as result workers’ mobilisation unilateral decisions rather tripartite dialogue. Originality/value Based original empirical research, contributes discussion impact under patchwork capitalism. It points governments informality circumventing structures importance response lack