In Poland, employees can carry over unused vacation days to the next year, but they have a limited time frame for use. The legislation defines specific rules for when this vacation must be used and when cash compensation is possible. This is discussed by InPoland.
Unused Vacation in Poland: When It Must Be Used
According to Polish labor law, an employee must take their vacation in the year they acquire the right to it. However, in practice, part of the vacation may remain unused.
The most common reasons for accumulating days off include:
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heavy workload;
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illness or absence of colleagues;
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maternity leave;
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disputes over vacation schedules.
In such cases, the vacation is carried over to the next calendar year. It must be used by September 30 at the latest.
If the employee does not specify the date themselves, the employer has the right to set it according to the law.
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Compensation for Vacation in Poland Is Not Always Paid
Polish law provides for financial compensation for unused days off, but only in the case of the employee's dismissal.
If the person continues to work at the same place, the employer is required to grant them vacation rather than pay compensation.
In case of violation of the rules, the employer can face a fine:
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from 1000 to 30,000 zlotys.
Employees also have the right to demand vacation or appeal to the labor court or the National Labor Inspectorate.
According to the Polish Labor Code, the statute of limitations for such claims is three years from the moment when the vacation should have been granted.
Previously, we reported how Ukrainians can calculate payments and cash compensation for vacation in Poland.