Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Austria

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Founded in 2014
26 people in their team
English
Divitschek Sieder Sauer Peter Rechtsanwälte GesbR is an Austrian law firm with its headquarters in Deutschlandsberg and additional offices in Graz and Fohnsdorf. The firm is distinguished by outstanding legal knowledge and more than 20 years of experience, delivering high quality advice and...
MMag. DDr. Karl Scholz
Lieboch, Austria

Founded in 2008
4 people in their team
English
MMag. DDr Karl Scholz Rechtsanwalts GmbH is a boutique Austrian law firm based in Lieboch that focuses on business and private client matters. The practice is led by Karl Scholz, a seasoned attorney and treuhander, and is supported by Mag. Dr. Lukas Michael Annerer, with services spanning criminal...
Dr. Martina Withoff
Zwettl Stadt, Austria

Founded in 1960
4 people in their team
English
Dr. Martina Withoff is a Zwettl-based Austrian law practice led by Dr. Martina Withoff. The firm specializes in civil and corporate matters and serves individuals and businesses across Lower Austria. Its practice areas include General Civil Law, Corporate and Commercial Law, Family Law and...

Founded in 2019
2 people in their team
English
The firm is a boutique Innsbruck law practice led by Dr. Stephan Rainer and Dr. Michael Rück. It focuses on employment and social law, family and inheritance matters, condominium and real estate issues, and traffic and compensation claims, providing both advisory and litigation services from its...

English
Puchner Streitmayer Rechtsanwälte is a well established law firm in Leoben, Austria, led by Dr. Christian Puchner and Mag. Martin Streitmayer. The firm blends long standing experience with innovation and collaborates with tax advisors, notaries and public authorities to deliver comprehensive...
Hartberg, Austria

Founded in 1778
English
Kulac & Carli Rechtsanwälte is a Hartberg based law firm with a lineage dating back to 1778. Led since 2014 by Mag. Selma Mauerhofer-Kulac, the firm blends a long tradition with contemporary legal practice to deliver reliable, client-focused representation across a broad range of matters. The team...

4 people in their team
English
Rechtsanwalt Mag. Peterpaul Suntinger heads a boutique law practice in Klagenfurt, Austria, focusing on employment law, social security law and damages claims, backed by over 30 years of experience. Clients benefit from a personable and responsive service, with a dedicated team comprising a female...

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
German
English
Efficient & EffectiveOur law firm is a service company that adapts to the needs of our clients and offers optimal services in those legal areas that are important in everyday private and business life. Creativity combined with competence and goal orientation characterize our actions.In a...

Founded in 2008
11 people in their team
English
JuS Juri Schuster Thon Zankl Rechtsanwälte GmbH is a distinguished Austrian law firm known for its dynamic approach to complex civil, corporate and insolvency matters. Founded in 2008 by Mag. Herbert Juri and Mag. Thomas Schuster, the firm later expanded with Mag. Christian Thon and Mag. Stefan...

Founded in 2004
2 people in their team
English
Mag. Karin Leitner is a sole practitioner attorney based in Leoben, Austria, offering extensive experience in both civil and criminal matters. She began practicing as an independent attorney in 2004 and, after acquiring the long standing law firm of Dr. Diethard Kallab in 2005, continued to grow...
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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.