Significant changes to Poland’s Labor Code, impacting nearly 2 million workers, will include recognizing prior non-traditional employment for seniority benefits starting May 1, 2026.
Breakthrough Decision for 2 Million Employees: Revolution in Labor Law 2026
A pivotal decision impacts 2 million workers, ushering in a revolution in labor law in 2026. Major changes are coming for nearly 2 million Poles, with the inclusion of prior employment history, potentially leading to increased vacation time and higher pay.
Labor Code Breakthrough 2026: B2B and Contracts Included in Seniority
Previous labor laws were unfavorable to individuals who operated their own businesses or worked on short-term contracts, particularly in the private sector. Their professional experience was not considered when determining employee entitlements afforded to those with standard employment contracts.
Who Benefits Most from May 1st? New List of Periods Counted Towards Seniority
Important changes to the Labor Code affect millions of employees. Periods of employment will be added to overall work seniority.
New Rules for Calculating Seniority Take Effect January 1, 2026
The new rules for calculating seniority came into effect on January 1, 2026, initially applying to the public sector. From May 1, 2026, the changes will also apply to the private sector.
Higher Pay and Better Protection: See the Full List of Benefits from Including Seniority
Employees with standard contracts who previously could not include all periods of professional activity will benefit from the new seniority calculations. This can impact vacation time and other benefits.
Faster Path to 26 Days of Vacation: How to Include Years Worked on Contracts
The most significant benefit for the average employee will be reaching the 10-year seniority threshold more quickly. Currently, less than a decade of seniority entitles an employee to 20 days of vacation, increasing to 26 days after reaching 10 years.
Practical Implications: Gaining Additional Vacation Days
Thanks to including years spent on contracts or self-employment, thousands of people will gain an additional 6 days of vacation annually. However, the reform will not be retroactive regarding accrued vacation time; new entitlements will apply from the date the regulations come into force and seniority is documented.
Higher Salaries and Seniority Bonuses: The Public Sector is Just the Beginning
Employees in the public sector, including civil servants, teachers, and medical personnel, have particular reason to be pleased. In their case, seniority directly translates into concrete amounts in their wallets.
Benefit Table 2026: How Much Will Your Severance Pay and Seniority Bonus Increase?
Below 2 years | 1-month salary
2 to 8 years | 2-month salary
Over 8 years | 3-month salary
Attention to Deadlines! You Have Until the End of 2027 to Submit Documents
Despite the changes taking effect on January 1, 2026, entitlements will not be calculated automatically. To benefit from including seniority, it is necessary to obtain a certificate from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) and present it to the employer.
Obtaining a ZUS USP Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide
A request must be submitted to the Social Insurance Institution for a certificate of insurance for the purpose of including periods in seniority (USP form). This can only be done electronically, through an account in the eZUS (PUE) system. Special forms will appear there, which must be submitted electronically. The legislator has provided a limited time to complete the formalities – documents must be submitted no later than the end of 2027.
A Major Omission in the Reform: Does a Contract for Specific Work Count Towards Seniority from May 1, 2026?
Although the reform is revolutionary, it contains an important caveat. The new regulations aim to strengthen the rights of individuals employed under an employment contract (standard employment). This means that if someone continues to cooperate with a company solely under B2B rules, the change in seniority will not affect their current relationship with the contractor. Those with employee status under the Labor Code, or who will soon transition to such a status, will benefit. It is important to remember that a contract for specific work does not count towards seniority for employee entitlements under the new rules.
