Overtime Work in Poland — Rights, Limits and Additional Pay for Foreign Workers
Overtime work in Poland is permitted but strictly regulated by the Labour Code. Many foreign workers in warehouses and on production lines don't know their overtime rights — and as a result don't receive the money they're owed. This guide explains everything you need to know.
When Is It Overtime?
Overtime is work performed beyond the standard working time. In Poland, standard hours are:
- 8 hours per day
- 40 hours per week (with a 5-day working week)
If you work more than your scheduled hours, the additional hours are overtime.
How Much Is the Overtime Supplement?
Under Article 151¹ of the Labour Code, overtime entitles you to your normal pay plus a supplement:
| Type of overtime | Supplement |
|---|---|
| Overtime on weekdays (up to 2h/day) | 50% of hourly rate |
| Night overtime (22:00 – 06:00) | 100% of hourly rate |
| Overtime on Sundays and public holidays | 100% of hourly rate |
| Overtime on a day off given in lieu of Sunday/holiday work | 100% of hourly rate |
Example: If your hourly rate is 30 PLN gross, one overtime hour on a weekday earns you 30 + 15 = 45 PLN gross. Night or Sunday overtime: 30 + 30 = 60 PLN gross.
Time Off Instead of Pay
Instead of a cash supplement, a worker may receive time off in lieu:
- If the worker requests it: hour for hour (1:1)
- If the employer grants time off without a request: 1.5 hours off per overtime hour worked
Time off must be granted within the same or the following settlement period.
Overtime Limits
Your employer cannot require unlimited overtime. The Labour Code sets:
- Maximum 3 overtime hours per day
- Maximum 150 overtime hours per year (statutory limit; a collective agreement or individual contract may raise it — up to 416 h)
- Right to 11 hours of daily rest — even after overtime
- Right to 35 hours of weekly rest
Work on Sundays and Public Holidays
In principle, Sunday and public holiday work is prohibited in Poland, but warehouses and logistics operations often use legal exceptions (shift work, retail facilities, etc.). If you work on a Sunday:
- You are entitled to another free Sunday within 6 weeks
- Or to an extra weekday off
- And to a 100% supplement if no day off is granted
What If Your Employer Doesn't Pay Overtime?
You have the right to payment for every hour worked. If your employer fails to pay:
- Report it to HR (Nexflow can help you)
- File a complaint with the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) — free and anonymous
- Consult a lawyer or trade union
Keep records: timesheets, schedules, any confirmation of hours worked — these are key evidence.
Summary
- Weekday overtime = +50% on top of your hourly rate
- Night, Sunday or public holiday overtime = +100%
- Annual limit: 150 hours (or more if your contract allows)
- You can take time off instead of cash
- Your employer must provide at least 11 h of daily rest
- Problems? Nexflow and PIP are there to help