An extra day off. The government may just grant it to thousands of Poles

The petition requests an amendment to the Act on Public Blood Services (Journal of Laws 1997 No. 106, item 681, as amended). The authors propose adding one word – “working” – to Article 9, Section 1, item 1), so that each blood donor has the right to a day off on the actual working day after donating blood. Today, the provision is imprecise and allows for the interpretation of a “day off” also as a Saturday or holiday – which does not provide any relief.

New wording of the provision: "Leave from work covers the day on which blood was donated and the working day following it."

It might seem like a small adjustment. But for thousands of active blood donors, it's the difference between symbolic recognition and real support. The petition asks an important question: does the state really respect those who save lives?

As the authors of the petition emphasize, the current practice:

• does not recognize Saturday as a day of rest after donating blood,
• forces donors to donate blood during the week at the expense of work or vacation,
• does not offer any "recovery time" from the physical exertion that is donation.

In practice, this would mean that every blood donor – regardless of when they donate blood – would be entitled to a day off during their actual working day. No exceptions, no loopholes, no wordplay. The rule would be simple and understandable to everyone – you donate blood, you have the right to rest.

The petition's authors emphasize that this is about more than just a one-time privilege. It is an expression of respect for those who do not ask for anything in return, but still give something most precious – a part of themselves. Today they give blood, tomorrow they may need it themselves.

In other European countries, donors can count on much broader support – including two days off, discount systems or financial rewards. Poland, as a country with major shortages in blood banks, should move towards strengthening incentives, not weakening them – the Foundation argues.

The petition initiators did not limit themselves to emotional arguments. They also indicated specific legal grounds – using the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland and the Act on Petitions. They submitted the document in accordance with formal requirements, openly, as an entity performing lobbying activities in the public interest. Katarzyna Kosakowska and Witold Solski – people involved in the protection of human rights, dignity and public health – act on behalf of the Foundation.

The petition has already been submitted to the Sejm. Its authors expect that the committee considering the case will not only publish the document within the statutory deadline, but above all – take real legislative action.

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