On November 27 last year, the Sejm adopted an act under which Christmas Eve will be a day off from work from 2025. In return, stores will be open on three Sundays before Christmas. Previously there were two.
– They promised a free Christmas Eve and it is. The fact that you'll be working three weeks straight before that is no big deal. Everything is correct. It's just a pity that the sense and logic have been lost. They either want to help people or they don't. Appearance – one of the Lidl employees told us a year ago.
Read also: How much does a ton of pellets cost? This is what fuel prices look like before winter
Christmas Eve is a day off from work. Severe penalties for violations
The National Labor Inspectorate announces that it will check whether store owners comply with the new regulations.
“For illegally committing to work on this day, the penalty is a fine of up to PLN 30,000. The penalty may be much higher if the violation of the law concerns trade. The fine may then reach up to PLN 100,000,” we read on the PIP website.
Read also: Big raise before Christmas. We know the prices in stores
Officials point to one exception, which allows the store to be opened on Christmas Eve. This will be possible provided that the owner himself is behind the counter and can use free help from his relatives, provided that he does not employ them permanently in the store.
Read also: During the fastest price increase, the National Bank of Poland forecast a drop in inflation to the target. He was right
Christmas Eve without work. However, these stores can be open
Officials also remind that there are several types of stores to which the trade ban does not apply. These include: gas stations, pharmacies, flower shops, post offices, funeral homes, bakeries and confectioneries.
For people for whom December 24 is a working day, the employer will have to provide another day off from work or pay remuneration with a 100% bonus.
