Workplace Discrimination in Poland — Rights and Remedies for Foreign Workers

Polish labour law prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationality, race, ethnic origin, and language — just as it does on grounds of sex, age, or religion. As a foreign worker legally employed in Poland, you have full anti-discrimination protection and the right to enforce your rights effectively.

What Is Workplace Discrimination?

Discrimination means treating an employee worse than others because of a protected characteristic. For foreign workers, the most relevant situations include:

• Unequal pay for the same work
• Denial of promotion, training, or bonuses on grounds of nationality
• Worse holiday entitlement or working conditions without objective justification
• Mobbing (workplace harassment) or hate speech from an employer or colleagues
• Dismissal or non-renewal of a contract because of nationality or language

What Is Your Employer Forbidden to Do?

• Pay you less than Polish workers doing the same job
• Refuse you leave, overtime pay, or bonuses they grant to others
• Dismiss or refuse to renew your contract because of your nationality or language
• Tolerate mobbing, insults, or humiliation directed at you because of your origin

Equal Pay for Equal Work

The equal pay principle is one of your most important employment rights. If you perform the same work as your Polish colleagues, you are entitled to the same pay. Any differences must be based on objective criteria — seniority, qualifications, or the scope of duties — not on nationality.

Mobbing vs. Discrimination — What Is the Difference?

Discrimination is one-time or repeated worse treatment due to a protected characteristic. Mobbing is prolonged, systematic harassment or intimidation that undermines a worker's dignity and causes fear, low self-esteem, or isolation. Both are prohibited and the employer is liable for both.

How to Report Discrimination

1. Document everything — record dates, the content of conversations, and names of witnesses; save emails, text messages, and other evidence
2. Report internally — if your company has an HR department or trade union representation, you may raise the issue there as a first step
3. National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) — accepts complaints about labour law violations; complaints can be filed anonymously; the inspectorate is obliged to provide an interpreter
4. Labour court — you can claim compensation before a labour court; the burden of proof is reversed — your employer must prove they did not discriminate
5. Commissioner for Human Rights (RPO) — free advice and the possibility of intervention

Free Legal Help

• Free legal aid points — available in every county (powiat) in Poland
• Migrant organisations — Ukrainian, Russian, and other migrant associations active in Poland often provide legal assistance in foreign languages
• Trade unions — you can join a union regardless of your citizenship

Protection from Retaliation

Your employer cannot dismiss, penalise, or harm you in any way for reporting discrimination or filing a complaint. Retaliation is a separate violation of law and exposes the employer to additional liability.

Nexflow Stands by You

Nexflow treats all temporary workers with respect, regardless of nationality. If you have experienced workplace discrimination, contact us. We will help you find the right support.