Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) - Poland (Ratification: 1991)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

Article 3 of the Convention. Consultation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the detailed information concerning the procedures and bodies in which consultations have taken place with the social partners, particularly regarding the compilation and publication of labour statistics. The Committee also welcomes the information provided on the survey concerning the social partners (trade unions and employers’ organizations), a periodic survey which was included in the programme on surveys of public statistics for 2014, 2018 and 2022. The Committee notes the many examples of consultations which have been held with the trade unions. The Committee recalls that under Article 3 of the Convention the representative organizations of employers and workers must be consulted in the design or revision of the concepts, definitions and methodology used in the collection, compilation and publication of the statistics required under the Convention, with a view to taking account of their needs and ensuring their cooperation. The Committee therefore requests the Government to continue engaging in consultations with the representative employers’ and workers’ organizations and to provide information on any relevant developments in this area in the future.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes the information sent to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination on the ILOSTAT website. This information originates from the quarterly labour force survey (LFS) and the national population and housing census conducted between April and September 2021. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that the methodology used for the Labour Force Survey in Poland (BAEL) is in conformity with the international methodology used for the European survey on the active population. Moreover, since 2021, the BAEL has undergone modifications, particularly with regard to the material and personal scope of application and the manner of identifying population groups in the labour market. Lastly, the Committee notes the information relating to the implementation of the resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS) (2013) in the context of the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2019/700 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 October 2019. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the application of the resolution concerning statistics on work relationships adopted by the 20th ICLS (2018) (resolution I) and on the application of the resolution concerning statistics on the informal economy, adopted by the 21st ICLS (2023) (resolution I).

Article 14. Statistics of occupational injuries and diseases. The Committee notes the information supplied regularly to the ILO Department of Statistics through the chapter of the annual questionnaire devoted to occupational accidents. The most recent data are from 2022. The Committee notes that since 1 January 2023 the regulations relating to the statistical data sheet for occupational accidents have been amended to facilitate: (i) the preparation of the data sheet; (ii) the planning of preventive actions; and (iii) the classification of the causes of occupational accidents. In this regard, in order to be able to evaluate more precisely the dangers arising from new working arrangements, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether accidents have occurred in the context of distance work or telework. Moreover, emphasizing the decision adopted by the 110th Session (June 2022) of the International Labour Conference to include “a safe and healthy working environment” as one of the fundamental principles and rights at work, the Committee requests the Government to: (i) provide information on any developments concerning the production and publication of statistics on occupational accidents and diseases; (ii) continue sending relevant statistics on a regular basis; and (iii) send up-to-date information on the sources, concepts, definitions and methodology used in the collection and compilation of statistics.

Article 16. Acceptance of obligations. The Committee notes the information sent by the Government in response to its previous comment concerning statistics on wages and working time. The Government indicates that statistics on hours worked continue to be collected during the BAEL and then sent to the ILO via Eurostat. Moreover, the Committee notes the information supplied under Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention. Given the availability of relevant regular statistics on the subjects covered by the aforementioned Articles, the Committee invites the Government to envisage the possibility of accepting the obligations deriving from Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

The Committee notes the observations of the Independent and Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarnosc”, received on 26 August 2015, and the Government’s responses received on 14 October 2015.

Articles 7 and 8 of the Convention. Employment, unemployment and underemployment statistics. Statistics of the structure and distribution of the economically active population. The Committee notes that the Government derives reliable quarterly and annual statistics on the economically active population, employment, unemployment and time-related unemployment, from the quarterly Labour Force Survey (LFS). These statistics and the corresponding methodological data are regularly supplied to the ILO Department of Statistics for dissemination through its website (ILOSTAT). The most recent LFS figures relate to 2014. The Committee also notes that the most recent population census was carried out by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 2011. Census data and information on methodology was supplied by the Government for publication on ILOSTAT. The Committee requests the Government to continue to supply data and information on the methodology used in the application of these provisions. It also invites the Government to provide information on any plans for conducting the next census. Please also include information on any developments in relation to the implementation of the Resolution concerning statistics of work, employment and labour underutilization (Resolution I), adopted by the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians (October 2013).

Article 16. Acceptance of obligations. The Committee welcomes the information provided in the Government’s report indicating that statistics on remuneration and working time are collected on an ongoing basis and cover all types of economic activity. Statistics on monthly earnings continue to be collected and compiled and the quarterly LFS continues to collect data on the number of hours worked in primary and secondary jobs, disaggregated by sex and for both full and part-time workers, despite the non-acceptance of Article 9(1). Annual statistics on average monthly earnings of employees from establishment surveys and statistics on average hours actually worked per week, from the LFS, have been regularly transmitted to the ILO Department of Statistics. The latest data refer to 2014. In respect of Article 9(2), the Government indicates that the representative study on the structure of wages and salaries by occupation, carried out every two years, compiles salaries and hourly wage rates by occupation, with data disaggregated by type of activity and published in a report entitled Structure of Wages and Salaries by Occupation. The Committee notes, however, that the information provided in the referenced publication refers to statistics on earnings and not to statistics on wage rates. The information provided does not indicate that statistics of time wage rates and normal hours of work are currently compiled. The Committee thus reiterates its request that the Government indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to compile such statistics through the earnings structure survey or through extrapolation from any other available source. The Committee also invites the Government to continue to provide information on the compilation of statistics on wage structure and distribution and labour cost, stating their effect with regard to the possibility of accepting the obligations under Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention.

Application of the Convention in practice. In its observations, Solidarnosc refers to a programme of statistical surveys of trade unions initiated in recent years by the CSO. It indicates that the scope of the research, particularly in relation to the economic potential of the trade union movement in the country is a matter of major concern. Consultations were held between trade union representatives and the CSO in which the trade unions attempted unsuccessfully to dissuade the CSO from carrying out the study. Solidarnosc also notes that a subsequent study of union structures at various levels was carried out without appropriate arrangements. It considers that such actions may threaten the independence of trade unions in Poland and may be used to acquire information to be used for political objectives. Moreover, trade union requests to carry out statistical research in the coming years on specific topics are not adequately covered. In its reply, the Government indicates that the CSO launched the study on actions of trade unions and their socio-economic conditions due to statistical needs. The study aimed to collect information on the development of the non profit sector and to broaden information for purposes of national accounts and labour market statistics. The Government also states that other institutions, including the ILO, have raised the need to include trade unions in statistical observations and that, since 2008, the CSO has examined other types of social and political organizations. The Government indicates that trade unions, including Solidarnosc, were consulted in advance of the study. In working meetings concerning the programme for statistical studies of public statistics for 2014, in which Solidarnosc and other trade unions participated, CSO representatives presented substantive grounds for including the trade union study in the programme, pointing out that trade unions are part of the non-profit sector, which should be studied due to the need to provide complete national accounts as required by European law. In addition, Solidarnosc participated in working meetings on public statistics, including in relation to the draft programme of statistical studies of the public statistics for 2016. Solidarnosc proposed broadening the scope of the studies to include issues such as healthy life years indicators, atypical forms of employment, young people, migrant workers and lifelong education. CSO studies have been done on some of the issues proposed and other issues, such as migration for work abroad, are under consideration for possible inclusion. The Government indicates that cooperation between the CSO and Solidarnosc continues to be pursued in the form of working meetings. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on measures taken or envisaged to address concerns expressed by Solidarnosc as well as on the nature and content of the cooperation between Solidarnosc and the CSO.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Article 16. Acceptance of obligations. The Committee notes with interest the information provided by the Government on the compilation on a monthly, quarterly and annually basis of the current statistics on average monthly earnings as well as on average hours actually worked and hours paid in spite of the non acceptance of Article 9(1). The Committee draws the attention of the Government to Resolution I[1] concerning the measurement of working time adopted by the 18th International Conference of Labour Statisticians in November–December 2008, which defines new concepts and measures in this area of statistics. The Committee notes, however, that there is no evidence that statistics of time wage rates and normal hours of work are compiled as provided in Article 9(2). The Committee requests the Government once again to indicate whether measures have been taken or are envisaged to extrapolate the statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work referred to in Article 9(2) of the Convention from the survey on wages structure and the survey on labour costs. The Committee also invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to compile statistics on wage structure and distribution and wage cost, stating their effect with regard to the possibility of accepting the relevant obligations provided for in Articles 10 and 11 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes the Government’s report and the information it contains in response to its previous request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the following points.

Occupational injuries and diseases. Article 14 of the Convention. Referring to its previous requests on the same subject, the Committee once again invites the Government to communicate a detailed description of the sources, concepts and methodology used in the collection and compilation of statistics on occupational injuries, in accordance with Article 6 and taking account of the provisions of Article 2 of the Convention. It also requires the Government to communicate to the International Labour Office any available statistics concerning occupational diseases pursuant to Article 5 of the Convention.

Unaccepted obligations. Article 16. The Committee asks the Government to indicate whether measures have been taken or envisaged to extrapolate the statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work referred to in Article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention, from the survey on wage structure and the survey on labour costs. The Committee also invites the Government to continue to provide information on the measures taken to compile statistics on wage structure and distribution and wage cost, stating their effect with regard to the possibility of accepting the relevant obligations provided for in Articles 10 and 11 of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s report. The Committee asks the Government to supply further information on the following points:

Article 8 of the Convention.  The Committee notes that the next population census is planned for 22 May 2001. It asks the Government to communicate the results to the ILO as soon as practicable.

Article 14.  The Committee asks the Government to publish a detailed methodological description of the statistics of occupational injuries, and to send to the ILO the available statistics on occupational diseases.

Article 16.  The Committee notes the information supplied in respect of Articles 9, 10 and 11, under which obligations have not been accepted. With the purpose of clarifying the extent to which effect is already given to them, the Committee is making the following remarks on these Articles. Concerning Article 9, paragraph 1, the Committee notes that current statistics of average monthly earnings are compiled monthly, quarterly and annually, and statistics of average hours actually worked and paid for are derived from various sources. In respect of Article 9, paragraph 2, the Committee asks the Government to indicate whether it is intended to derive statistics of time rates of wages and normal hours of work from the survey on the structure of earnings which was due to be launched in 1999, the labour cost survey or otherwise. Regarding Article 10, the Committee notes that a survey on the structure of earnings by occupations was due to be introduced in October 1999, replacing the old survey (Z-08) and the survey on employment and earnings by occupation (Z-09). The Committee asks the Government to supply information on any development in this regard. With respect to Article 11, the Committee notes that this Article is now fully applied through the conduct of the four-yearly labour cost survey and estimates of basic measures of labour costs during non-survey years.

The Committee notes these developments with interest and hopes that the Government will continue to supply any statistics compiled on the subjects covered by these Articles, as well as particulars of their sources, methodology and publication, in accordance with Article 16, paragraph 4.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes the Government's first report and requests the Government to supply further information on the following points.

Point I of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to provide a list of laws and regulations that apply the provisions of the Convention, as well as copies, if they have not been sent to the ILO.

Article 2 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to specify which international standards and guidelines are taken into consideration in respect of the statistics covered by Articles 7 and 8. It also requests the Government to confirm whether the latest ILO standards and guidelines have been followed in designing and revising the concepts and methodology used in collecting and compiling the statistics covered by Article 14.

Article 3. The Committee notes the Government's reference to the Board for the Socio-economic Information Systems, in which trade unions and the Employers' Association are represented. Please supply more detailed information on this Board concerning its composition, and its role with regard to the programme of statistical studies and surveys of the Central Statistical Office, with particular reference to each of the statistics covered by Articles 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

Article 14. In accordance with Article 6, the Committee requests the Government to communicate to the ILO detailed methodological descriptions of the statistics of occupational injuries and diseases, including the concepts and definitions used, the source, notification and reporting procedures, and the methods of data collection and compilation, and covering the recently revised reporting system and procedures.

Article 15. In accordance with Article 5 (under question (b) of the report form), the Committee requests the Government to provide the title and reference number of the statistical series of the national authorities in which statistics of industrial disputes are published.

Article 16(4). The Committee would be grateful to the Government if it would continue to supply information on statistics covered by Articles 9, 10 and 11, and in particular, indicate whether it is proposed to compile the statistics covered by these Articles, whether the annual survey of the use of working time of production workers has become half-yearly, and whether the labour cost survey planned for 1994 has actually been conducted, and if so, whether it also provides data on wage structure.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes the information supplied in reply to its previous request, in particular concerning the application of Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention, as well as the attached Act on Statistics. It requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 8. The Committee requests the Government to supply information on any plan for a new census.

Article 14. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the ILO standards and guidelines followed in revising and developing the concepts and methodology used in collecting and compiling the statistics of occupational injuries and diseases (Article 2). It also draws the Government's attention to the obligation under Article 6(c) to publish the detailed methodological description of these statistics.

Article 15. The Committee requests the Government to communicate to the ILO the published statistics of industrial disputes in accordance with Article 5, for instance, what was published by the Central Statistical Office in a chapter concerning labour market of the "Information on social and economic situation of the country".

Article 16(4). The Committee notes the information supplied in respect of Articles 9 to 11. It notes with interest that, although obligations under these Articles have not been formally accepted, the implementation of Articles 9(1) and 11 is under way by means of two new annual surveys: the Survey of Employment and Wages by Occupation and the Labour Cost Survey. The Committee hopes that the Government will continue to supply information on any development in this regard, including any statistics compiled on the subjects covered by them, as well as particulars of their sources, methodology and publication. It is for the purpose of clarifying the extent to which effect is already given to them, that the Committee is making the following remarks on some of these Articles.

Article 9(2). The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether it is intended to compile annual statistics of wage rates and normal hours of work, through either of the above surveys or otherwise;

Article 10. The Committee notes that the data on the structure of earnings are and will be available from the two surveys mentioned above (the Labour Cost Survey provides such data by industry and sector, but not by occupation). It requests the Government to state whether it is intended to compile statistics of the distribution of earnings (i.e. the distribution of employees by levels of earnings and hours of work) through either of the above surveys or otherwise.