Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it? · Poland

Direct answer

Whether you are owed severance depends on the country, the reason for dismissal and your length of service — a legal minimum in many countries, a collective agreement in others, and sometimes only what you negotiate. What is common everywhere: get the calculation in writing, do not sign a waiver, and check before the deadline. Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ) (solidarnosc.org.pl) knows the collective agreement and calculates for members; Sąd pracy (sąd rejonowy) (gov.pl) enforces an unpaid severance like unpaid wages; Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkty w powiatach) (np.ms.gov.pl) gives free advice if you are not a member.

Call firstZwiązek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ)

Report toSąd pracy (sąd rejonowy)

If that failsNieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkty w powiatach)

🗣️ What to say

"My employment ended on [date] after [years] of service by [dismissal / redundancy]. Under [law / collective agreement] I am entitled to severance of [amount / formula]. Please pay it with the final salary and send the calculation in writing."

🪜 Step by step

Find the basisLaw, collective agreement or contract. Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ) tells you in one call which applies and the formula.
Ask for the calculationYears of service, salary basis, any caps. Errors are common — in the employer's favour.
Do not sign a waiverA settlement can include severance; a "final settlement" form can waive it. Read before signing.
Unpaid: Sąd pracy (sąd rejonowy)Payment order or labour court, like unpaid wages. Short deadlines after the end of employment.
Tax and benefitSeverance may be taxed favourably and may delay unemployment benefit; ask before you agree the timing.

📇 All contacts

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

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

Nieodpłatna pomoc prawna (punkty w powiatach)Free legal advice for anyone who cannot payWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 np.ms.gov.pl

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

❓ Frequently asked

I was on a fixed-term contract

End of a fixed term is not a dismissal, but some countries pay a fixed-term premium or end-of-contract indemnity. Ask Związek zawodowy (NSZZ Solidarność, OPZZ).

They say I was dismissed for misconduct

Serious misconduct removes severance in many countries — which is why employers allege it. Contest the ground; see the dismissal page.

Redundancy: is there a minimum?

In most countries yes, by years of service; collective agreements often add more, and a social plan more still.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💰 Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it?