Influence of EU law on Collective Labour Law in Poland (Institutions at the National Level)

Abstract

Although the competences of the EU in the field of industrial relations are limited, European standards concerning collective labour law have significantly affected domestic legal systems, including Polish law. EU legislation forced a reconstruction of a model of collective representation of employee interests. Polish law shifted from single- to double-channel representation with trade unions and employee councils (involved in information and consultation procedures). Under the influence of EU law the Polish legislator has established a number of collective procedures aimed at the protection of employee interests (e.g. collective redundancies, transfer of undertaking). As a rule, they reflect basic protective standards determined at the European level. There are, however, some lesser problems that weaken the effect intended by EU legislation. Nonetheless, implementation of European standards has contributed to the development of industrial relations and protection of workers.