What is umowy o pracę?

A Umowa o Pracę (employment contract) in Poland is a formal agreement between an employer and an employee, defining the terms of their employment relationship. It is the most common and protective form of employment in Poland, guaranteeing various employee rights.

Key aspects of Umowy o Pracę include:

• Types of Contracts: There are several types, including:
  • Umowa na okres próbny (probationary contract): Usually up to 3 months.
  • Umowa na czas określony (fixed-term contract): For a specific period. The maximum number of these contracts between the same employer and employee is three, and the total duration cannot exceed 33 months.
  • Umowa na czas nieokreślony (indefinite-term contract): The most stable form, with no specified end date.
• Essential Elements: Every Umowa o Pracę must contain certain information, such as:
  • Parties involved (employer and employee details).
  • Type of contract.
  • Date of conclusion.
  • Job title and description.
  • Place of work.
  • Working time (full-time, part-time).
  • Remuneration (salary and payment terms).
  • Start date of employment.
• Employee Rights: Employees under Umowy o Pracę are entitled to various rights, including:
  • Paid annual leave.
  • Sick leave.
  • Maternity and paternity leave.
  • Protection against unjustified dismissal.
  • Minimum wage guarantees.
  • Social security contributions paid by the employer.
• Termination: The rules for terminating an Umowa o Pracę depend on the contract type and the reason for termination. Notice periods are typically required, and employees have legal recourse if they believe they have been unfairly dismissed. Notice period length varies based on tenure.
• Working Time: The standard working time is generally 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Overtime is regulated and must be compensated.

Umowy o Pracę are heavily regulated by the Polish Labour Code (Kodeks Pracy), providing a strong legal framework for employment relationships.