Labor Costs and their Conditions in Poland and the European Union – a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the development of the level and structure of labor costs and the tax wedge in Poland in comparison with other European Union countries. Firstly, the theoretical aspects of the cost structure are presented. Secondly, the wage, non-wage labor costs, and the tax wedge are compared using statistical data covering the period 2004-2016. The conclusions from the study indicate that labor costs in Poland are still clearly lower than the European Union average, although higher compared to Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, and Latvia. Thus, undertaking and conducting production and service activities in Poland remains an attractive venture for foreign investors.