Changes in labour law | July 2023

We encourage you to read the newsletter HRstacja | Changes in Labour Law prepared by experts from the Employment Law team and the Human Advisory Services team at CRIDO.

Minimum wage increase – what rates are in effect as of July?

As of July 1, 2023, the amount of the minimum wage in Poland increased to PLN 3,600 gross, which equates to an increase of PLN 110 gross compared to the previous amount. The amount of the minimum hourly rate has also increased to PLN 23.50 gross per hour for the performance of an order or the provision of services, which resulted in a net increase of PLN 21 for those cooperating under certain civil law contracts. The increase in the minimum wage also results in an increase in other benefits related to the employment relationship, which are calculated on its basis, such as demurrage pay or allowance for night work.

Wage transparency – implementation of the directive by June 7th, 2026

The Wage Transparency Directive, which aims to improve enforcement of the principle of equal pay and the possibility of improving transparency, must be implemented in the laws of member states by June 7th, 2026. Among other things, the new regulations will require employers to inform job seekers of the starting remuneration or remuneration range for recruited positions, both in the recruitment announcement and before the interview. Employers will also be prohibited from asking candidates about their remuneration history.

Double-protected employees – order to continue employing an employee until the end of the process

On June 16th, 2023, the Parliament passed a law amending the Law on Bridging Pensions and Certain Other Laws, concerning amendments to, among other things, the Code of Civil Procedure. Pursuant to the amendment, in labour law cases in which an employee subject to special protection against termination of employment with or without notice asserts a claim for recognition of termination of employment as ineffective or for reinstatement, the court will, at the request of the entitled party, grant security by ordering continued employment of the employee by the employer pending the final conclusion of the proceedings. The Senate, however, introduced an amendment deleting the above solution. The bill will be again processed in Sejm.

Protecting the rights of those working via platforms – what are the plans in the EU?

The EU is attempting to propose specific provisions for people who provide work via digital platforms. The aim of introducing these solutions is to make it easier to establish the correct employment status of such people in light of their actual relationship with digital platforms (often in practice being an employment relationship) and to gain access to appropriate labour rights and social protection. At this point, the Council of the European Union has adopted its position, but the new rules have yet to be agreed with the European Parliament.