General information

Who works on holidays? Catalog of allowed jobs on holidays in Poland

Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and other statutory holidays are times when many of us spend time with family or friends. However, not everyone can afford to rest on these days. There are professions where working on holidays is a necessity. So, who can work on holidays, and in which industries is it prohibited?

In Poland, days off work are Sundays and holidays specified in the regulations on public holidays.

Professions where working on holidays is allowed

Working on Sundays and holidays is permitted in companies and institutions that must operate due to public utility and the daily needs of the population. These places include police stations, hospitals, hospices, on-call pharmacies, fire departments, establishments offering hospitality and catering services, and enterprises supplying energy, water, and gas. More specifically:

  1. Healthcare – Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists are required to work during holidays to ensure continuous patient care. Hospitals, emergency services, and on-call pharmacies must operate regardless of the day.
  2. Emergency and security services – Firefighters, police officers, municipal guards, as well as rescue and protection services, must be on duty 24/7, regardless of holidays. This ensures the safety of citizens at all times.
  3. Public transport – Bus drivers, tram drivers, train conductors, and airplane pilots also carry out their duties on holidays. Especially in cities that offer public transportation even on statutory holidays.
  4. Retail and hospitality – In many cities, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes operate on holidays, although restrictions are increasingly being introduced, such as the prohibition of working on Christmas Day. In such cases, employees receive higher pay, known as a holiday bonus.
  5. Municipal services – Employees responsible for waste collection, infrastructure maintenance, and other public services also work during holidays to keep the city in order.

It is important to note that employees are entitled to special rights when performing their duties on holidays. In such cases, employers may arrange for time off on another day or apply a compensation system.

Job offers abroad on europa.jobs, be sure to check it out!

When is working on holidays prohibited?

According to Polish law, employers cannot require employees to work on statutory holidays in certain professions, such as those in public administration. This also applies to individuals employed in positions where work is not essential to ensure the continuity of operations. Such as teachers, office workers, bank employees, public sector employees, or workers in stores not involved in selling essential goods.

However, it is important to remember that employees working on holidays are entitled to appropriate compensation. According to labor law, they should receive a higher hourly rate or a day off in return for working on a holiday.

In conclusion, working on holidays is unavoidable in certain industries, especially in emergency services, healthcare, and transportation. On the other hand, many professions have regulations protecting employees from being required to work on these days, and employees who choose to work on holidays receive appropriate compensation.

What to pack when traveling to work abroad?

5 Reasons to Live in Sweden: Work and Daily Life