PIP recovers PLN 158.4m for workers across Poland

5 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Labour inspection Poland recovered PLN 158.4m for 48,500 workers after about 6,000 wage decisions in 2025.

Labour inspection Poland recovered 158.4 million złoty for workers last year. Moreover, PIP issued roughly 6,000 wage decisions and helped tens of thousands of employees.

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Labour inspection Poland: what happened and why it matters

The National Labour Inspectorate, known as PIP, announced the totals during a joint Sejm committee hearing. Janusz Krasoń, the chief labour inspector, told MPs that 48,500 workers recovered unpaid wages and benefits. Consequently, the overall sum reached 158.4 million złoty. In addition, inspectors issued about 6,000 formal wage decisions.

Inspectors also examined almost 49,000 civil-law contracts last year. Moreover, around 46,500 of those were umowy zlecenia, or contract-for-task agreements. PIP challenged 2,006 of those contracts. However, the inspector’s challenge does not by itself create a legally binding employment relationship.

In cases where inspectors found unpaid amounts, they ordered employers to pay. Therefore, tens of thousands of workers saw delayed wages resolved. In addition, the PIP recovered 2.6 million złoty for 4,300 contract workers who faced breaches of minimum hourly rates. Consequently, the agency enforced protections even for non-standard workers.

Who complains and what PIP can do

Complaints about late or missing pay remain among the most frequent reasons people contact PIP. Moreover, workers also report unpaid bonuses, overtime, and other employment-related benefits. When inspectors confirm arrears, they can require payment. In addition, they can pursue administrative penalties and issue fines or a mandat for violations.

These national numbers mask local patterns. Therefore, regional breakdowns show which industries and districts struggle most with late payments. For example, sectors with temporary contracts or heavy seasonal work often show higher complaint rates. Consequently, expats working in hospitality, construction, and gig roles should take note.

What this means for foreign workers

As an expat, remember that having a contract matters. In Poland, an umowa o pracę is a full employment contract with social security contributions. In contrast, civil-law contracts can lack such protections. Moreover, ZUS refers to social security, and NFZ covers public health insurance. Therefore, ensure your status and contributions are clear. Also, keep payslips and bank records as proof of payment.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you work in Poland, save payslips and your contract copy. In addition, register with ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health insurance) if the job requires it. Moreover, keep your PESEL number handy for many official steps. If your employer withholds pay, contact PIP and consider legal aid or trade unions. Finally, note that an administrative fine or a mandat may follow employer breaches.

For many workers, PIP’s actions restored financial security. However, enforcement remains a local challenge. Therefore, foreigners should learn how Polish labour rules affect them. In addition, consult bilingual advice if needed.

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