The debate over making Christmas Eve (Wigilia) a national holiday has heightened as Polish President Andrzej Duda weighs the newly proposed legislation. A bill establishing December 24 as a day off from work is currently awaiting his signature, with future impacts sparking discussions among stakeholders from both sides of the issue.
On October 4, 2024, the Left party introduced the proposal to honor Christmas Eve as a public holiday. Following discussions and subsequent amendments, the Polish Parliament passed the revised bill on December 6, 2024. It was then sent to Duda, sparking speculation about whether the president would approve it, veto it, or seek judicial review. Optionally, he has 21 days to make his decision.
According to Duda, who spoke about the bill on December 23, 2024, there has been significant feedback from multiple parties. "I can say this: the voices were divided roughly among half and half," he noted, mentioning discussions he held with social representatives to gather diverse perspectives on the potential holiday.
Duda expressed his personal support for establishing Christmas Eve as a day off, stating, "I would very much like to have Christmas Eve as a free day. I think it is very necessary so people can prepare for the holidays calmly." This reflects his emphasis on the holiday's social significance, allowing families time to engage with traditions and responsibilities without workplace distractions.
While many favors the move, the legislation has faced opposition due to concerns about the holiday's impact on commerce. Specifically, the bill designates the three Sundays leading up to Christmas as trading days, a point of contention for labor representatives. Critics, including representatives of trade unions such as Solidarność, argue this change discriminates against workers, particularly those employed within the retail sector.
Piotr Duda, the head of Solidarność, voiced strong opposition to the current provisions, saying, "No one should be discriminated against, and this bill discriminates against some workers, particularly those in retail and wholesale trade." Calls for limited work on these Sundays contrasted sharply with the President’s backing of the holiday aspect.
The Polish parliament's intent with the proposed legal changes is clear: to allow all workers, including retail staff, to enjoy Christmas Eve without the obligation to report to work by limiting hours to end at 2 PM on the day itself. This aligns with Poland's broader efforts established since 2020 to minimize Sunday trading, allowing it only on select weekends throughout the year.
Underscoring the difficulties, Duda noted, "The fundamental complaint is about the absence of any social consultations on this matter," highlighting the need for broader dialogue with various sectors. He emphasized the lack of proper discussions prior to the bill's initiation, calling it unacceptable.
The current legislation aims to bring clarity not only for employers but also for employees about their rights surrounding holiday work, particularly with Christmas time being traditionally significant for Polish families. Duda is expected to examine constitutional aspects carefully, considering fairness and equal treatment as foreseen by law.
Preparations for the holiday season seem to be on Duda's mind as he remains engaged with public opinion. His remarks reflect the broader Christmas spirit, affirming his affection for traditional dishes associated with the holiday, with other personal commitments made to shop as normally as possible during the festive season.
Although the bill has overwhelming support from some sectors of society, its passage still faces hurdles amid concerns about labor equity and adequate representation of the communities affected. The result of Duda’s decision could markedly influence the 2025 Christmas season.
The overall discourse on this significant legislative effort signals both the cultural value of Christmas Eve and the complex intertwining of labor rights, commerce, and social welfare. While many await the final verdict, the subject continues to capture national interest, reflecting upon how traditional observances should integrate with the modern work environment.
