A New Era in Polish Labor Law: Sözleşmeler İş Kollarına Tümüyle İş Sözleşmesine Dönüşebilecek

A significant change has come into effect in Polish labor legislation, and with this change, the authorities of the Labour Inspectorate (PIP) have been greatly expanded. Thanks to the new regulation, it has become possible to convert contracts based on areas of work (sözleşmeler iş kollarına) into formal employment contracts (iş sözleşmeleri). This situation means that flexible working models, which are a common practice in the country, are subjected to a legal framework and strict working standards. At a press conference held in Sejm, the Polish parliament, informative statements were made to the public regarding the purpose and implementation of the new law. Officials assured the public that this process would operate in a transparent and fair manner.

Janusz Krasoń, who spoke at the said press conference organized by the Marshal of the Sejm, shared important details about how the new inspection mechanisms will operate. Krasoń stated that the first step towards the process of inspecting and converting contracts will begin with complaint inspections (kontrole skargowe). This indicates that the system will take action primarily upon the reports and applications of employees or relevant individuals, rather than conducting direct and mass inspections. This complaint-oriented approach aims to quickly resolve complaints in narrow areas and where specific violations occur. Additionally, this method will allow the state's inspection mechanisms to use their resources more efficiently and effectively.

It was emphasized that the Polish government, while implementing this new step, does not target specific sectors or professions, but at the same time, it does not leave any sector out of this scope. Janusz Krasoń stated that they do not target any sector in advance, but the rules are equally binding for all areas of work (iş kolları). This neutral and inclusive approach aims to prevent unfair panic or concern in certain parts of the business world. Officials argue that their main purpose in this process is not to punish non-compliant companies, but to standardize working conditions in the market. Therefore, whether it is the technology or construction sector, all employers are expected to comply with legal frameworks that protect the rights of their employees.

The conversion of contracts based on areas of work (sözleşmeler iş kollarına) into employment contracts has the characteristic of being a topic that could create deep and profound changes in the Polish labor market. Many companies frequently use such civil contracts to avoid extra costs such as tax burdens and social rights, or to provide more flexibility in the workforce. However, with the new regulation, individuals working under these contracts will be able to benefit from fundamental employee rights such as severance pay, paid leave, sick pay, and job security. This situation may lead to an increase in personnel costs for companies, affecting their profit margins and requiring employers to revise their personnel management strategies. In addition to its economic consequences, this law also holds the potential to significantly increase the welfare level and social security of employees.

This new legal regulation and the expanded authorities obtained by the Labour Inspectorate are interpreted as a major step for Poland to get closer to European Union working standards. Such anti-exploitation policies, which have long been on the agenda of international organizations and labor unions, serve to create a fairer competitive environment in working life. In the upcoming period, the intensity of complaint inspections and the resistance or cooperation that firms will show regarding compliance with this law will clearly determine the success of the law. The Polish government and officials repeatedly emphasize that they will guide companies during the legal compliance process and that inspections will be conducted transparently. As a result, the impacts of this development, which is a significant milestone in the fields of transparency and the protection of employee rights in the labor market, will be closely watched across the entire economy in the coming years.