Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Employment rights in Murau are governed primarily by Austrian federal employment law, supplemented by collective agreements and company-level rules. Key areas include employment contracts, working time, wages, paid leave, social insurance, protection from unfair dismissal, maternity and parental protections, workplace health and safety, and anti-discrimination rules. Because Murau is in the state of Styria, many practical matters - such as where to file a claim or which local authority to contact - will be handled through regional offices located in or near Graz and through local municipal offices in Murau.
Employment matters often combine legal complexity, short procedural deadlines, and high personal and financial stakes. You may need a lawyer if you face a disputed dismissal, unpaid wages or overtime, unlawful deduction from pay, discrimination or harassment, unfair treatment related to pregnancy or parental leave, workplace injury disputes, breaches of a collective agreement, or complicated contractual terms such as non-compete clauses. Lawyers can advise on legal rights, calculate claims for back pay or severance, negotiate settlements, represent you in meetings or court, and help preserve evidence and meet deadlines.
Employment law in Austria is federal, but local administration and enforcement with relevance to Murau is carried out by regional bodies. Important points to know include:
- Employment contract basics - Most jobs are governed by a written or verbal employment contract that sets out duties, pay, working hours, notice periods and probation. Collective agreements - called Kollektivvertraege - often determine minimum pay rates and conditions for many sectors. Always check which collective agreement applies.
- Working time and overtime - Austrian rules regulate maximum working hours, daily and weekly rest periods, night-work protections and overtime compensation. Some industries have special arrangements in collective agreements.
- Leave and benefits - Statutory holiday entitlement, public holiday rules, sickness leave, maternity protection and parental leave are protected by law. Special protections apply to pregnant workers and new parents.
- Termination and dismissal - There are statutory notice periods and protections against unfair or discriminatory dismissal. Certain groups - for example pregnant employees or employees on parental leave - have special protection from termination. Employer-initiated terminations can trigger compensation entitlement or the right to challenge the dismissal in court.
- Works councils and unions - In companies with sufficient employees a works council - Betriebsrat - plays a role in workplace co-determination and disputes. Trade unions and the Chamber of Labour advocate and provide advice for employees.
- Social insurance and occupational safety - Employers must register employees with social insurance and provide workplace safety measures. Claims for work injury or occupational disease go through statutory insurance channels.
- Enforcement and courts - Administrative bodies such as the Arbeitsinspektion handle labour law enforcement and inspections. Court disputes are generally handled by regional Labour and Social Courts or civil courts depending on the claim. Check local jurisdiction for Murau as some cases are heard in Graz or other nearby courts.
Immediately request written confirmation of the dismissal and the stated reason. Note the date and circumstances, keep all related documents such as contracts, payslips and emails, and act quickly - there are often short deadlines to contest a dismissal. Contact the Chamber of Labour or a specialised employment lawyer to review whether the dismissal was lawful and advise on next steps.
Entitlement to severance or termination pay depends on your contract, length of service, collective agreements and the reason for termination. In some situations statutory or collectively-agreed severance applies; in others you may negotiate a settlement. A lawyer or the Chamber of Labour can help calculate possible claims.
Notice periods vary depending on the employment contract, the length of service, and whether collective agreements apply. Some contracts include probationary periods with shorter notice. Because rules differ, check your contract and seek advice to confirm the correct period.
During certified sick leave and in many cases during parental leave you have protection from dismissal, and you may be entitled to continued pay or social insurance benefits depending on circumstances. Employers must not discriminate for taking legally protected leave. For specific benefits and duration rules consult a lawyer, the social insurance office or the Chamber of Labour.
Workplace safety is enforced by the regional labour inspectorate - Arbeitsinspektion - and by the statutory social insurance for occupational accidents. If you have serious safety concerns, report them to your employer, your works council if one exists, and to the regional Arbeitsinspektion. Keep records of reports and any employer response.
Yes - employees have the right to claim unpaid wages, overtime and statutory entitlements. Start by requesting payment in writing and keep copies. If the employer refuses, the Chamber of Labour or a lawyer can help enforce payment, and you may proceed to court if necessary.
Austrian law and EU-derived rules protect employees from discrimination and harassment based on gender, age, ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics. Employers are required to take measures to prevent and address harassment. Document incidents, report them internally, and seek legal advice if the employer fails to act.
Not always, but legal advice is often helpful. For simple wage disputes or contract clarifications, the Chamber of Labour, a union or mediation may resolve the matter. For contested dismissals, complex legal questions or where court proceedings are likely, a specialised employment lawyer will better protect your rights.
Costs vary - lawyers may charge by hour or agree on a fixed fee. Austrian lawyer fees are influenced by statutory tariff rules and the complexity of the case. If you have limited means you may be eligible for legal aid or court-cost assistance - ask the lawyer or the Chamber of Labour about options such as Prozesskostenhilfe or other support.
Which court handles a claim depends on the type of dispute. Many employment-related cases are handled by Labour and Social Courts or by civil courts. Jurisdiction is regional, so cases from Murau may be heard at a court in the wider Graz area. Contact the Chamber of Labour or a local lawyer to confirm the correct venue and procedural steps.
- Chamber of Labour - Arbeiterkammer Steiermark: Offers advice, model letters, legal representation and information tailored to employees in Styria.
- Trade unions and ÖGB: Trade unions provide sector-specific advice and collective bargaining support for members.
- Regional Labour Inspectorate - Arbeitsinspektion Steiermark: Enforces working-time, safety and legal employment standards.
- Social Insurance - Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) and Pensionsversicherungsanstalt: For social security, sickness and workplace injury matters.
- Public Employment Service Austria - AMS: For unemployment benefits, job-seeking support and administrative questions after dismissal.
- Local courts and mediation centres: For formal disputes and alternative dispute resolution. Check your municipality or the provincial justice administration for the correct court information serving Murau.
1. Gather documents - Collect your employment contract, payslips, written communications, attendance records, medical certificates and any other evidence related to your issue.
2. Note dates and deadlines - Record key dates such as dismissal date, last pay date, and any deadlines communicated by your employer. Act quickly because some claims have short limitation periods.
3. Seek free or low-cost initial advice - Contact the Chamber of Labour Steiermark, your local trade union or the regional Arbeiterkammer office for guidance and possible representation options.
4. Consider mediation or negotiation - Many disputes can be settled without court via negotiation or mediation. A lawyer can negotiate a settlement or severance on your behalf.
5. Consult a specialised employment lawyer - For contested dismissals, discrimination claims, complex contractual disputes or court actions hire a lawyer experienced in Austrian employment law and familiar with regional practice in Styria.
6. Prepare for procedures - If court action is needed, your lawyer will prepare claims, help apply for legal aid if eligible, and represent you at hearings. Keep copies of everything and maintain clear records of communications.
If you are unsure where to start, a first step is to contact the Chamber of Labour for Styria and ask for guidance specific to Murau - they can explain local procedures, relevant collective agreements and the best next steps for your situation.
