Discrimination at work — Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich

Direct answer

Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanie (800 676 676) is the equality body for Poland: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ) (solidarnosc.org.pl) represents you; Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP) (801 002 006) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstRzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanie

Report toZwiązek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ)

If that failsPaństwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP)

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanie."

🪜 Step by step

Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
Equality body: Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanieFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
Union: Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanie for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanieDiscrimination at work, housing, servicesFor discrimination📞 800 676 676 🔗 bip.brpo.gov.pl/pl/kategoria-tematyczna/rowne-traktowanie

Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ)Advice and representation at the labour courtFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.solidarnosc.org.pl

Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP)Complaint, inspection, order to pay wagesAs soon as the wages are late📞 801 002 006 🔗 www.pip.gov.pl

Sąd pracy (sąd rejonowy)Contesting dismissal within 21 days, wagesWithin 21 days of the dismissal🔗 www.gov.pl/web/sprawiedliwosc

❓ Frequently asked

Can they punish me for complaining?

Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.

I am pregnant and they cut my hours

Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich — równe traktowanie the same week.

They say I was not hired because of "fit"

Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🚻 I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?