Since 2018, Poland has a law restricting trade on Sundays, which has sparked many discussions and controversy. The Sejm is presently considering proposing changes in regulations that may affect the everyday life of Poles. The draft amendment, prepared by the Polish 2050 group, is considered a compromise solution that can satisfy both entrepreneurs and employees.
What does the fresh Proposal assume?
According to the task by Poland 2050, 2 trade Sundays would apply each month. This is simply a change from the current legal state, which provides for only a fewer commercial Sundays throughout the year. The draft was already sent to the Sejm committees after the Sejm rejected its motion to reject it at first reading, submitted by the PiS and Left Members.
One of the key elements of the amendment is the introduction of a double wage for work on Sundays. In addition, employers would gotta designate a day off within six days before or after the day of work on Sunday. This solution aims to compensate employees for the failure of a day off while expanding their motivation to work on a day that is traditionally a day of rest.
Current Recipes: Exceptions and Penalties
The current law provides for a catalogue of 32 exemptions, meaning that the trade ban does not cover all establishments. The exceptions include, among others, postal activities, as long as at least 40% of the gross of the facility comes from this activity, as well as not, ice cream shops, fuel stations, florists, press shops or cafes.
Entrepreneurs who break the ban on trade on Sundays must face serious consequences. Financial penalties may scope from PLN 1000 to even PLN 100 thousand. In utmost cases where the rules are persistently violated, it is even possible to impose a punishment on restrictions on freedom.
Why Changes Are Important?
The proposed changes to the regulations on trade on Sundays are very emotional. On the 1 hand, expanding the number of commercial Sundays could benefit consumers who will gain more opportunities to make purchases and entrepreneurs who can number on higher turnover. On the another hand, it is crucial that these changes do not take place at the expense of workers who may feel force to work on Sundays.
Poland's 2050 proposal seeks to balance the interests of all parties by introducing additional remuneration and days off, which can be an incentive for employees. At the same time, the fresh rules can besides aid reduce the number of infringements of the trade ban on Sundays, through clear and fair regulations.
What's next?
Currently, the bill's draft amendment is in the process of working in parliamentary committees. In the coming weeks, it will be revealed whether the proposed amendments will be adopted by the Sejm and, if so, what final form the fresh rules will take. The introduction of 2 commercial Sundays per period may be an crucial step towards liberalisation of regulations which have been controversial in Polish society for years.
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Trade Sundays are coming back. Parliament is considering fresh legislation
