Pay equality despite government slowness – what is the importance of EU regulations?

In a commentary for Rzeczpospolita, Paweł Siwy addresses the consequences of delays in implementing Directive (EU) 2023/970 on equal pay.

The starting point is the lack of full implementation of the regulations, coupled with the approaching transposition deadline (June 7, 2026), and the question of their impact on the situation of employees.

The author points out that despite legislative delays:

• the provisions of the directive may remain relevant for the assessment of the legal situation of employees,
• in certain cases, they may be invoked in disputes – in particular in relations with public entities,
• delayed implementation does not mean that EU regulations will no longer be relevant after the implementation deadline.

The commentary contributes to the discussion on the relationship between EU law and the national legal order and the consequences of failure to meet implementation deadlines by a Member State.

For employers and HR departments
Delaying legislative work does not eliminate the risks associated with the equal pay principle – particularly in the context of potential employee claims and disputes based on EU law.

I encourage you to read: https://pro.rp.pl/prawo-pracy/art44407931-rownosc-plac-mimo-opieszalosci-rzadu-unijne-przepisy-beda-w-zasiegu-czesci-pracownikow