Situation of cross-border workers

On 29 April 2020, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland, Bishop Jerzy Samiec sent an open letter to the Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki in relation to the difficult situation of cross-border workers and their families.

Due to the obligation of a 14-day quarantine, cross-border workers could not return to their places of employment, despite the fact that protection measures were introduced by companies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Changes that could improve the situation of employees and enable their return to work were previously called for by local government officials, NGOs and employees and employers.

In his letter, Bishop Samiec supported cross-border workers and joined the call for the lifting of the 14-day quarantine obligation. He pointed out that the situation of cross-border workers is currently difficult and they have problems with supporting their families. He stressed that his voice as Presiding Bishop is based on concern for human needs, and that the Churches are trying in solidarity to provide spiritual support to those in need.

Bishop Samiec asked the Prime Minister to recognize the drama of cross-border workers and to make changes that will enable them to return to work.

A day later, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki informed on Facebook that "people working or studying just abroad – cross-border workers, students and pupils – will be able to return to work and study from 4 May; they will not have to undergo the obligatory 14-day quarantine. The Prime Minister underlined that the decision was taken after an in-depth epidemiological analysis in cooperation with the governments in Berlin and Prague and after consultation with the local authorities.