From 1st January 2025, the minimum wage in Poland will rise. This increase is aimed at improving employees’ living conditions and addressing the rising cost of living. However, employers will face higher costs, which could lead to price increases or a reduction in hiring. It’s essential to balance fair wages with maintaining business competitiveness. Below are the key changes employees can expect from this wage increase.
Minimum Wage Increase from January 2025
According to the Council of Ministers’ Regulation from 12th September 2024, the minimum wage will increase to PLN 4,666 gross starting on 1st January 2025. The minimum hourly rate for civil law contracts will also change to PLN 30.50 gross.
Higher Employee Severance Payments
Employees who are subject to collective redundancies are entitled to severance payments. As per the Act of 13th March 2003, severance pay depends on the length of employment:
- Less than 2 years: One month’s salary.
- 2 to 8 years: Two months’ salary.
- More than 8 years: Three months’ salary.
The maximum severance pay is capped at 15 times the minimum wage. With the new wage increase, the maximum severance payment will be PLN 69,390.
Compensation for Breach of Equal Treatment
Under Article 183d of the Labour Code, an employee whose employer breaches the principle of equal treatment is entitled to compensation. The minimum compensation in 2025 will be PLN 4,666.
Compensation for Mobbing
Employees who suffer mobbing or have their employment terminated due to mobbing are also entitled to compensation. This amount will also rise to PLN 4,666 from 1st January 2025.
Employee Rights and Labour Law Violations
Employees who exercise their rights under employment law, including equal treatment principles, must not face any adverse consequences. If an employer violates these rights, the employee is entitled to compensation, not lower than the minimum wage.
Higher Remuneration for Downtime
The minimum wage increase will also affect various dues, including downtime remuneration. Downtime pay is calculated on an hourly or monthly basis and must not be less than the minimum wage. From January 2025, this amount will be PLN 4,666.
Increased Night Work Allowance
Night work allowances will also rise with the minimum wage. Employees who work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. will receive 20% of the minimum hourly wage as compensation. The exact value depends on the number of hours worked.
How can 360 Business Law Assist
Our employment team in Poland provides expert support in navigating complex employment law issues. From 1st January 2025, the increase in the minimum wage will bring significant changes for employees in Poland, with adjustments to severance payments, compensation for labour law violations, and allowances for night work and downtime. These changes are important for both employees and employers to understand in order to ensure compliance with the new regulations. For businesses navigating these changes, and for employees seeking advice or support regarding their rights, our team of expert lawyers in Poland can provide tailored assistance. Whether you need help with employment law matters, wage disputes, or other legal concerns, we are here to ensure that your rights and business interests are fully protected.
Written by Katarzyna Szulc