In the opinion of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the good labour law means security and stability of employment, but also flexibility offered by, e.g., remote work. Amendments are necessary as the labour market is changing, along with the needs of employees and employers.

It is easier to reconcile roles

The amendments are good for Polish families and for the labour market – said Minister Marlena Maląg during a press conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister. She added that they were to give an opportunity of flexible working time, which would facilitate the reconciliation of professional and family roles.

The amendments will also apply to probationary contracts, and an employee who has worked for at least six months (including based on a probationary contract) will have the right to apply for a form of employment with more predictable or more secure working conditions. An employer will have one month to reply in writing along with a justification.

For parents

The objective of the so-called Parental Directive is to encourage to equally share care duties between women and men. The directive provides for changes in parental leave, paternity leave, the introduction of the so-called unpaid care leave and greater flexibility in work arrangement. Parental leave will be longer. Today, it is 32 weeks in the case of giving birth to one child and 34 weeks in the case of multiple pregnancy. Following the changes, it will be 41 and 43 weeks, respectively. Each parent will also be guaranteed 9 weeks of leave, which cannot be transferred to the other parent. Another change is the increased amount of maternity allowance for the whole period of parental leave.

5 days for care

A novelty will also be care leave. This is five days in a calendar year of unpaid leave granted upon request of an employee who must take personal care of a child or other family member.