flash news
The Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy (“MRPiPS”) has published an Action Plan to support collective bargaining that is intended to increase the number of collective labour agreements and revitalise social dialogue. The document implements obligations arising from EU law; however, according to experts, its current form is too general.
On 7 January, the president signed two amendments that are significant for employers and employees. The Act of 4 December 2025 eases certain formal requirements in the Labour Code, whilst the changes of 18 December 2025 concern the Social Insurance Institution's (ZUS) adjudication system and the rules on sick leave.
A regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration came into force on 1 January 2026 extending until 30 June 2026 the period during which Belarusian citizens can apply for a Polish travel document for foreigners.
In 2026, the annual working time will increase by 16 hours compared to 2025 (2,008 hours vs. 1,992 hours). This will have a direct impact on shift planning, payroll budgeting and working time limits within settlement periods. July is a particularly important month as it has the highest number of working hours in the year (184 hours). Incorrect planning could result in overtime at the scheduling stage.
As of 1 January 2026, rules for determining employment length in the public sector will change and have significant implications for employers. Employment length will include not only periods of employment under an employment contract, but also other forms of professional activity, provided that they are properly documented (in particular, by certificates issued by the Social Insurance Institution – ZUS). The law has not introduced any time limits, which means that earlier periods of professional activity may also be counted toward employment length.
In 2002, Locatrans, a transport company based in Luxembourg, employed a French national as a driver, whose employment contract was governed by Luxembourg law. The driver initially worked in various European countries, but over time began to carry out transport mainly in France, which in 2014 resulted in the obligation to register the driver in the French social security system. In the same year, after refusing to reduce the driver’s working hours, Locatrans terminated the driver's contract.