The new regulations are to enter into force on June 7, 2026, in accordance with the deadline set by the European Union. However, the draft law is only at the beginning of the legislative path, which means that companies may have very little time to adapt to the new requirements.
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The Minister of Finance and Economy emphasizes that entrepreneurs will be able to start preparations only after the president signs the act, when its final shape will be known. As a result, as he points out, employers may not have time to implement all the changes, and yet they will immediately be subject to criminal liability for any shortcomings.
Introduction of provisions on equal pay, as “Rzeczpospolita” reminds, is justified by the still existing differences in pay between women and men, which are of a systemic nature. They result from, among others: from career breaks related to family care and from persistent stereotypes regarding gender roles.
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The new regulations are intended to counteract these phenomena and ensure more effective enforcement of the principle of equal remuneration for work of equal value.
Doubts of the Ministry of Finance: too little time and too high penalties
The Minister of Finance and Economy points out that the draft act does not provide for the possibility of postponing the application of new obligations, which may be problematic for companies. It also draws attention to the 30-day deadline for providing the employee with information about the individual and average level of remuneration in the company.
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According to the minister, this is a more restrictive solution than the EU directive itself, which allows for a two-month deadline. Therefore, the Ministry suggests extending this period to reduce administrative pressure and avoid disruptions in the functioning of enterprises, especially those with more complicated remuneration systems.
Another issue that raises doubts is whether the law covers uniformed services officers. The Minister of Finance and Economy points out that although the EU directive applies to both the public and private sectors, the draft act uses the concepts of “employee” and “remuneration” within the meaning of the Labor Code. However, uniformed services officers are not employees within the meaning of the Labor Code, and their remuneration is regulated by separate regulations. The Ministry of Finance believes that the project requires clarification in this respect. A similar position is taken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who suggests re-analysis of the subjective scope of the Act.
The Minister of Finance and Economy also states that maximum fine for violating the new regulations, set at PLN 50,000. PLN, is too high and has not been supported by detailed analyses. The ministry warns that such a high penalty may negatively affect the financial liquidity of enterprises, especially during the period of adaptation to new regulations.
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As a result, as reported by “Rzeczpospolita”, the ministry proposes reducing the maximum fine amount to PLN 30,000. zloty.
