Poland’s parliament has passed an amendment to the public holidays law, officially designating Christmas Eve (December 24th) as a day off work. The new regulations, approved with overwhelming support—403 votes in favor, 10 against, and 12 abstentions—will take effect starting next year.
The new legislation raises the number of free days to 14 per year, excluding Sundays.
Additionally, the amendment introduces a provision that beginning in 2025, the three Sundays preceding Christmas Eve will be designated as trading days. The hike in the number of trading Sundays drew criticism from some trade unions due to its impact on workers.
A senior official of the Solidarity trade union said his organization categorically rejected the idea of exchanging an additional day off for an extra day’s work.
The new legislation represents a significant shift in Poland’s approach to holiday observance and retail regulations, balancing workers’ rights with economic considerations for the festive season.
