In brief

• The National Labour Inspectorate (PIP) presented the Sejm deputies with the results of its inspections of drivers' working time.
• The most common violations are skipped breaks, shortened daily and weekly rest periods, and exceeding night work limits.
• The Inspectorate proposes clarifying the regulations, simplifying settlements after the Mobility Package, and tightening penalties.

Most common violations

The Chief Labour Inspector presented the Sejm deputies with the results of inspections of drivers' working time. According to him, inspectors most often find that breaks are skipped, daily and weekly rest periods are shortened, and the permissible working time at night is exceeded (Sejm: PIP: jednym z głównych problemów kierowców jest nieprzestrzeganie ograniczeń pracy w nocy – portalsamorzadowy.pl).

Causes of the problems

PIP points out that the sources of the irregularities should be sought in how transport is organised: pressure to meet delivery deadlines, route planning that does not take the regulations into account, and difficulties in settling the working time of drivers who often work away from the company's premises.

Proposed changes to the law

The Chief Labour Inspector proposes clarifying the regulations concerning drivers' working time. In his view, settlements after the implementation of the Mobility Package also need to be simplified, so that documenting work takes less time and is easier to inspect.

The Inspectorate also calls for tougher penalties for the most serious violations. In its view, this would more effectively enforce carriers' obligations and better protect drivers from excessive workloads.

What next

PIP's conclusions have been submitted to the Sejm and are at the stage of parliamentary work. Further decisions depend on the deputies, who may adopt the proposals in full, in part, or not at all.

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