Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed a new law designating Christmas Eve as a public holiday for all workers, including retail employees. However, the law will undergo a subsequent review by the Constitutional Tribunal following concerns raised by worker organizations, particularly regarding its alleged discriminatory impact on retail employees.
Concerns Over Consultation and Impact
The President’s Office revealed that both employer and employee representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of prior consultations during discussions at the Presidential Palace. Trade unions, notably “Solidarność,” argued that the law unfairly disadvantages retail workers. As a result, the President has opted for a “subsequent control” review, allowing the law to take effect while contentious aspects are examined by the Tribunal.
The new regulation also stipulates that, beginning in 2025, the three Sundays before Christmas Eve will be designated as trading days. This extension aims to balance the interests of consumers and retail businesses while respecting holiday traditions.