Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Austria

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Founded in 1987
5 people in their team
English
Dr. Rankl & Mag. Posch is a longstanding Austrian law firm based in Micheldorf in Oberösterreich. For more than 35 years the firm has served clients across Austria, leveraging extensive experience in pursuing legal claims and maintaining a high standard of professionalism to secure favorable...

Founded in 2009
4 people in their team
English
Rechtsanwaltin Mag. Gabriele Buchegger operates a boutique law practice in St. Florian bei Linz, Austria, delivering trusted, client-centered legal guidance across civil and family matters. With more than two decades of legal experience, she leads the firm from Am Seisberg 32c and has run her own...
Puttinger Vogl & Partner Rechtsanwälte
Ried im Innkreis, Austria

Founded in 2005
15 people in their team
English
Puttinger Vogl Rechtsanwälte is an established Austrian law firm with deep expertise across corporate and commercial matters, real estate, employment and labor, insolvency and insurance. The team serves corporate clients and private individuals with a practical, business oriented approach and...
Dr. Martin Wuelz
Innsbruck, Austria

English
Dr. Martin Wuelz and Dr. Peter Kaser lead a distinguished law firm with offices in Innsbruck and Vienna, Austria. The firm offers comprehensive legal services across multiple practice areas, including family law, personal injury, insurance law, labor relations, real estate, and general legal...

English
Klein, Wuntschek & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH is a renowned Graz-based law firm with more than 35 years of experience. The team includes four partners and a dedicated support staff, operating from a central office in the heart of Graz. The firm emphasizes practical, results-oriented legal advice...

English
Dr. Gerd Mössler Rechtsanwalt and Mag. Sandro Benedikt Rechtsanwalt operate Kanzlei Dr. Gerd Mössler in Klagenfurt, Austria, combining civil, corporate and criminal law expertise within a compact team led by Dr. Gerd Mössler, a seasoned civil and business-law attorney, and Sandro Benedikt, who...

English
Bartl & Scala Rechtsanwälte OG, located in Graz, Austria, offers comprehensive legal services across various domains, including civil law, criminal and financial criminal law, real estate and family law. The firm's attorneys possess extensive expertise and decades of experience, ensuring clients...

Founded in 2019
English
Rechtsanwalt Mag. Johannes Koman LLB.oec., based in Salzburg, Austria, offers specialized legal services in areas including employment law, estate planning, family law, real estate, and general legal counsel. With a strong academic background, including degrees in law and economics, Mag. Koman...

Founded in 2002
60 people in their team
English
ScherbaumSeebacher is an internationally active Austrian full-service law firm with two offices in Graz and Vienna, offering capabilities across insolvency and restructuring, corporate and M&A, banking and capital markets, private clients, damages and tort, labour and employment, real estate and...
Strobl & Wagner Rechtsanwälte
Salzburg, Austria

10 people in their team
English
Strobl & Wagner Rechtsanwälte in Kooperation is a Salzburg based law firm representing private individuals and companies of all sizes, both nationally and internationally. The firm maintains a modern, court-adjacent office and emphasizes practical, outcome-oriented advice backed by a disciplined,...
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About Employment Rights Law in Austria

Employment rights in Austria are governed by a comprehensive set of laws and regulations designed to protect workers and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. These laws cover various aspects such as working conditions, wages, health and safety, discrimination, and termination of employment. The Austrian labor market is characterized by its strong social partnership, with collective agreements playing a significant role in shaping employment conditions across various industries. The core legal framework is provided by the Austrian Labour Code, the Working Time Act, and the Employment Contract Law Adaptation Act, among others.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are numerous situations where individuals may require legal assistance in the realm of employment rights. Common scenarios include disputes over wrongful termination, discrimination based on gender, age, or disability, unpaid wages or benefits, and violations of workplace safety regulations. An employment lawyer can provide expert advice on negotiating severance packages, representing clients in court or during mediation processes, and understanding complex employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements.

Local Laws Overview

Key local laws relevant to employment rights in Austria include:

  • Arbeitszeitgesetz (Working Time Act): This law regulates working hours, including overtime rules, rest periods, and flexible working hours arrangements.
  • Arbeitsverfassungsgesetz (Labour Constitution Act): It outlines the rights and duties of workers' councils and the framework for negotiations between employers and employees.
  • Kündigungsschutzgesetz (Termination Protection Act): This act provides protection against unfair dismissal and sets guidelines for proper termination procedures.
  • Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (Equal Treatment Act): It prohibits discrimination in employment on grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or sexual orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights regarding working hours in Austria?

The standard working time is eight hours per day and 40 hours per week, though many collective agreements set a lower weekly limit. Overtime must be compensated, often with additional pay or time off.

Can my employer terminate my contract without notice?

No, Austrian law requires a notice period, which can vary based on the duration of employment and is often specified in collective agreements. Immediate termination is only allowed under specific conditions.

Am I entitled to paid vacation?

Yes, employees are generally entitled to 25 working days of paid vacation per year, which increases to 30 days after 25 years of service.

What should I do if I face discrimination at work?

You should report it to your employer or the works council and may also file a complaint with the Equal Treatment Commission.

What rights do I have as a part-time worker?

Part-time workers have proportional rights compared to full-time workers, including pay, benefits, and holiday entitlements based on hours worked.

How is maternity leave regulated?

Maternity leave in Austria typically lasts for 16 weeks, split equally before and after birth. During this time, employees receive a maternity allowance.

Can I request flexible working hours?

Yes, under certain conditions, employees can negotiate flexible working hours with their employer, often facilitated by collective agreements or company policies.

What recourse do I have if my employer doesn't pay my wages?

You can file a claim with the labor court and, in some cases, the Chamber of Labour may assist in recovering unpaid wages.

What is a collective agreement?

A collective agreement is a contract negotiated between employers’ associations and trade unions that sets conditions for workers, including wages, working hours, and other employment terms.

How can I join a trade union?

Membership is typically open to all workers, and you can join a trade union by contacting them directly and enrolling as a member.

Additional Resources

  • Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer): Offers advice and support on employment issues.
  • Federal Ministry of Labour: Provides official information on labor laws and employment standards.
  • Equal Treatment Commission: Handles complaints regarding workplace discrimination.

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal assistance with an employment rights issue, consider taking the following steps:

  • Consultation: Reach out to a lawyer specializing in employment law for a consultation to discuss your case.
  • Documentation: Gather all relevant documents such as employment contracts, pay stubs, correspondence with your employer, and any other pertinent information.
  • Support: Contact the Chamber of Labour for guidance and support, especially if you are a member.
  • Union Representation: If applicable, speak with your trade union representative to explore their support options.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Austria through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Employment Rights, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.