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Working hours and breaks are governed by the Arbeitszeitgesetz (Law on working hours), collective wage agreements and company agreements, or arranged on an individual basis. At present the working week varies between 38 and 40 hours, depending on the collective wage agreement. Normally the working day is not to exceed eight hours. A break of at least 30 minutes is mandatory after six hours' work. A rest period of at least 11 hours must be observed after a full working day. Employees cannot normally be required to work on Sundays and public holidays. There are exemptions for a large number of activities.
The rules on working hours outlined here do not, however, apply to employees in skilled jobs and on high incomes, in particular management staff. It is taken for granted that they will work overtime without additional pay. However, for many other employees too, 'normal working hours' in the form of eight working hours between 06:00 and 18:00 over five weekdays are now a thing of the past.
Over 28% of all employees now work 'flexi-time'. With 'flexi-time' there are core hours during which all employees must be present at the undertaking. Employees are given the opportunity to work more or fewer hours within fixed limits. Overtime can be built up to a limited degree and 'taken of in lieu'. Electronic time recording systems and working time accounts have been set up in businesses to record the hours of work performed by each individual.
Text last edited on: 11/2006
Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2007
Reproduction is authorised.
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