The Sejm has sent the controversial draft reform of the National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) for further committee work. Despite strong resistance from employer organizations and criticism from some trade unions and politicians of the ruling coalition, the bill aimed at combating the abuse of civil law contracts survived its first reading. The government's proposals are stirring emotions not only due to their substance but also because of an unusual promotional campaign using cat memes.

Sejm's Decision on PIP

The draft reform of the National Labour Inspectorate was not rejected in the first reading and will proceed to further work in parliamentary committees.

Controversy Over B2B

The business community and the IT sector fear that the new inspector powers will lead to the arbitrary conversion of contracts into employment contracts.

Unusual Campaign

The Ministry of Family is promoting the reform using cat memes, which has sparked a wave of commentary about the professionalism of government communication.

The parliamentary majority decided to send the draft amendment to the Act on the National Labour Inspectorate to the Committee on Social Policy and Family. The main goal of the reform is to limit the phenomenon of abusing junk contracts by granting inspectors new powers. The most controversial provision is one allowing PIP inspectors to issue decisions converting a civil law contract or a B2B contract into a full-time position if the prerequisites for an employment relationship are met. Critics of the solution, including business associations, warn of an investment paralysis and the risk of mass business closures, especially in the technology sector where the contract model is standard. The National Labour Inspectorate was established in 1919 by Marshal Józef Piłsudski, and its role has evolved from supervising workplace hygiene to providing legal protection for employees in a market economy. During the parliamentary debate, a rare situation occurred where employer interests aligned with the position of part of the social side. OPZZ head Piotr Ostrowski described the current draft as worse than previous versions, pointing to a lack of precision in the provisions. Meanwhile, MP Artur Łącki from the Civic Coalition directed sharp words at Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, questioning the rationale for the reform in its current shape. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy is trying to ease tensions with an unusual information campaign. Videos have appeared on the ministry's social media where complex legal issues are explained using images of cats, which some consider a brilliant marketing move and others an infantilization of public debate. „To nie jest walka z przedsiębiorcami, to walka o uczciwą konkurencję i godne warunki pracy dla milionów Polaków.” (This is not a fight against entrepreneurs; it is a fight for fair competition and decent working conditions for millions of Poles.) — Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk Available public opinion polls show society is divided on the radical changes to PIP. While a majority of respondents declare support for fighting abuses, concerns are raised about the potential increase in labour costs and a decline in employment flexibility. The further fate of the bill depends on committee work, where numerous amendments are expected aimed at clarifying the role of labour courts in the process of challenging employment forms. Simultaneously, the Sejm is processing changes in the energy sector, unblocking the so-called grid act, which is crucial for the development of renewable energy sources, despite industry warnings about possible errors in the new regulations. 38 — press articles analyze the dispute over the PIP reform

Mentioned People

  • Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk — Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy responsible for the PIP reform project.
  • Piotr Ostrowski — Chairman of the All-Poland Alliance of Trade Unions (OPZZ), critical of the project.
  • Artur Łącki — MP for the Civic Coalition, who critically addressed the actions of the labour minister.