The employment contract

Please note that this is only a brief overview of the most important general rules; it is no substitute for legal advice and there are often exceptions to the rule. If you feel that you are being cheated of your rights, always seek advice from a trade union or lawyer!

  • There has to be a labor contract concluded in writing or orally

  • The contract has to cover, among other things, your wage, weekly working hours, and activities/tasks on the job

  • In any case, you should mark down your actual labor time and work breaks every day. This can be very important later for wage demands. Collect contact information and/or signatures of colleagues who can testify to your labor time.

  • Working hours: 8 hours per day are the norm, 10 hours are the exception. After 6 hours of work, you have the right to take a break of half an hour.

  • Sign nothing that you do not understand!

  • At least, you should obtain a copy of the labor contract and seek help to understand what it says

  • Even if you have no written labor contract, you have most of the rights detailed in this leaflet!