Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Neubrandenburg

About Employment Rights Law in Neubrandenburg, Germany

Employment rights in Neubrandenburg, as in the rest of Germany, are designed to protect employees and regulate the relationship between employers and employees. These rights are based on a comprehensive legal framework that sets minimum standards for working conditions, remuneration, workplace safety, non-discrimination, and the protection of employees against unfair treatment. In Neubrandenburg, both local and federal laws apply, with employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements, and EU directives playing crucial roles. The goal is to ensure fair working environments and safeguard both employees' and employers' interests.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various situations in which legal advice or representation can be crucial in employment matters, including:

• Unjustified termination or dismissal ("Kündigung")
• Discrimination or harassment at the workplace
• Issues with contracts, including fixed-term employment disputes
• Disagreements concerning wages, overtime, or holiday entitlements
• Problems related to parental leave, sick leave, or disability accommodations
• Workplace accidents and health and safety violations
• Negotiating or understanding complex employment contracts
• Dealing with works councils ("Betriebsrat") and collective bargaining agreements
• Retaliation or disciplinary actions taken unfairly by an employer

Local Laws Overview

Neubrandenburg, located in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, follows German national employment law, primarily governed by the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB, Civil Code), Kündigungsschutzgesetz (KSchG, Protection Against Dismissal Act), Arbeitszeitgesetz (Working Hours Act), and several other statutes. Local regulations may apply in specific sectors or workplaces through collective bargaining agreements (Tarifverträge) or company agreements (Betriebsvereinbarungen). Key aspects include:

• Strict rules on termination, especially for long-term or vulnerable employees
• Minimum wage and overtime standards
• Statutory paid leave and sick pay
• Protections against discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, religion, and other grounds
• Employers’ obligations to ensure workplace safety and health (Arbeitsschutz)
• Special protections for pregnant employees, parents on leave, and disabled employees

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my rights if my employer dismisses me?

Employees are protected against unfair dismissal under the Protection Against Dismissal Act (KSchG), especially if employed for more than six months in a company with more than ten employees. If you are dismissed, you generally have three weeks to file a complaint with the local labor court.

Am I entitled to a written employment contract?

While verbal employment contracts are legally binding in Germany, your employer must provide you with written documentation of the essential terms within one month after employment begins, according to the Evidence Act (Nachweisgesetz).

How much paid holiday am I entitled to?

The statutory minimum is 24 working days per year (based on a six-day workweek), which usually corresponds to about 20 days on a five-day schedule. Collective or company agreements may grant additional days.

What can I do if I face discrimination at work?

You are protected under the General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG). If you experience discrimination, you should document incidents and can report them to your employer, works council, or anti-discrimination agencies.

Do I have a right to parental leave?

Yes, employees can take up to three years of parental leave per child. German law also provides for parental allowance (Elterngeld).

What is the minimum wage in Neubrandenburg?

The federal minimum wage applies nationwide, including Neubrandenburg. As of 2024, it is 12.41 euros per hour (subject to scheduled increases).

What are my rights if I get sick?

If you are unfit for work due to illness, you are entitled to up to six weeks of continued payment of wages by your employer, provided you submit a doctor's note within three days.

Can my employer make me work overtime?

Overtime regulations are typically set out in your employment contract or collective agreements. Overtime should be compensated either by pay or time off. There are legal limits to weekly working hours, generally not exceeding 48 hours.

Who handles employment disputes in Neubrandenburg?

Employment disputes are handled by the local labor court (Arbeitsgericht), located in Neubrandenburg, where employees and employers can bring their cases.

What can I do if my employer doesn’t pay my wages?

First, you should remind your employer in writing. If payment is still not made, you can take legal action through the labor court or seek help from a lawyer, works council, or local trade union.

Additional Resources

Several organizations and authorities provide support and information on employment rights in Neubrandenburg:

• Arbeitsamt/Agentur für Arbeit Neubrandenburg: For advice and assistance with job search, unemployment benefits, and training.
• Gewerkschaften (Trade Unions): Such as ver.di, IG Metall, or IG BCE, for sector-specific advice and collective representation.
• Betriebsrat (Works Council): Available in many larger companies for in-house employee representation.
• Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes: For issues involving workplace discrimination.
• Deutscher Anwaltverein (DAV) - Ortsverein Neubrandenburg: The local bar association for lawyer referrals.
• Arbeitsgericht Neubrandenburg: The local labor court for formal dispute resolution.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance regarding employment rights in Neubrandenburg:

1. Document the Issue: Collect employment contracts, correspondence, pay slips, and relevant evidence.
2. Seek Initial Advice: Contact your works council, union, or local government employment agency for free initial guidance.
3. Consult a Lawyer: If the matter is complex or unresolved, consult a local employment lawyer for personalized advice.
4. Consider Mediation or Formal Legal Action: For unresolved disputes, you may need to initiate formal proceedings at the Neubrandenburg labor court.
5. Follow Up: Stay informed about deadlines (especially for making claims after dismissal) and any steps advised by your legal representative.