Retirement age to be equalized as pension systems come under more pressure

The Labor Ministry will present a draft proposal for levelling the ret irement age of men and women next year. Pension analysts believe that such decision should be undertaken quickly, as earlier retirement age for women discriminates against them. At present men and women are allowed to become pensioners at the end of 65 and 60 respectively. According to a report by the Supreme Board of Inspection (NIK) on the projected results of pension reforms, women will receive pensions one-third, or even half lower than men. "Ageing populations are forcing changes in pension systems, which include raising the retirement age," said Irena Wojcicka from the Market Economy Research Institute. There are several reasons why women will receive lower pensions. They usually have up to 25% lower salaries than their male c ounterparts, and due to the number of breaks in their career, they usually retire after working only 30-34 years, while men work for 40 to 44 years. Finally, they live longer. Among EU countries, only Italy has a different retirement age for men and women. (Rzeczpospolita, p. 5) M.M.