The measure is aimed at ensuring that individuals in both the private and public sectors who expose legal violations are shielded from retaliation, granting them the right to compensation for any employer reprisal.
The proposal encompasses a broad scope of employment and contractual situations, including traditional employment contracts, civil law contracts, entrepreneurship, volunteer work, internships, and even military service.
Under the new law, the ombudsman will play a crucial role in supporting whistleblowers, providing a structured framework for reporting irregularities, public broadcaster Polish Radio has reported.
Individuals can utilize internal channels within organizations, external channels to state bodies, or public disclosure in specific cases to report violations.
The delay in adopting whistleblower protections has come at a significant financial cost to Poland, with fines for non-compliance costing the government EUR 13,500 daily since December 2021.
(jh/gs)
Source: Polskie Radio 24