Best Labor Law Lawyers in Aurich

About Labor Law Law in Aurich, Germany

Labor law in Aurich is part of the wider German system of employment regulation. Federal laws set the core rules for employment contracts, working time, minimum wage, sickness pay, vacation, protection against unfair dismissal and social protections. Local practice in Aurich reflects these federal rules while also being shaped by collective agreements, works councils and decisions of local labor and social courts. If you work or employ staff in Aurich you will most often rely on statutory standards, any written employment contract, and applicable collective-bargaining agreements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer who specializes in labor law can help protect your rights, explain complex statutory rules, represent you in negotiations or court, and advise on practical next steps. Common situations where people need legal help include:

- Receiving a termination notice or facing redundancy and needing to know your options and deadlines.

- Disputes about pay, overtime, unpaid wages or incorrect wage statements.

- Conflicts over working hours, shift planning or the legality of requested overtime.

- Discrimination, harassment or cases involving pregnancy, parental leave or disability protections.

- Problems with fixed-term contracts, probation periods or repeated temporary contracts.

- Collective matters involving works councils, Betriebsvereinbarungen or collective agreements.

- Representation at the Arbeitsgericht or in settlement talks with your employer.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal elements that are particularly relevant for people in Aurich include the following:

- Federal statutes apply throughout Aurich - examples include Kündigungsschutzgesetz (protection against unfair dismissal), Arbeitszeitgesetz (working hours), Bundesurlaubsgesetz (statutory vacation), Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz (continued pay in case of illness), Mutterschutzgesetz and Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz (rules on part-time and fixed-term contracts).

- Collective agreements - Many sectors use Tarifverträge agreed by trade unions and employer associations. If your employer is bound by a collective agreement, its terms can strongly influence pay, notice periods and other working conditions.

- Works council rights - In companies with a Betriebsrat, the Betriebsverfassungsgesetz gives the works council consultation and co-determination rights over many workplace matters. Speak with the works council if one exists at your workplace.

- Local labor court procedures - Employment disputes are handled by the local Arbeitsgericht. For urgent disputes like a termination, strict procedural deadlines apply - see the FAQ about the three-week deadline for Kündigungsschutzklage.

- Social insurance and benefits - Contributions and claims for unemployment, health and pension insurance are governed by federal social law and administered locally by bodies such as the Agentur für Arbeit and statutory health insurance funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a termination letter?

Read the letter carefully and note the date you received it. Check whether it is a termination during probation or after. If you want to challenge the dismissal, you generally have three weeks from receipt to file a Kündigungsschutzklage at the local Arbeitsgericht. Gather your employment contract, payslips, any prior warnings or correspondence and contact a labour lawyer or the works council promptly.

How long do I have to file a claim if I think my dismissal is unfair?

The statutory deadline to file an unfair dismissal action - Kündigungsschutzklage - is three weeks from the date you receive the termination letter. Missing this deadline usually means you lose the right to challenge the dismissal in court, so act quickly.

Am I protected from dismissal during pregnancy or parental leave?

Yes - pregnant employees and those on maternity protection have special protections under the Mutterschutzgesetz, and employees on parental leave have protection under the Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz and general employment protections. In many cases dismissal is only valid with prior approval from the relevant authority. Consult a lawyer immediately if you receive a dismissal while pregnant or on parental leave.

Do I have a right to severance pay?

There is no general statutory right to severance pay in Germany. Severance is often the result of a settlement, a social plan, a collective agreement or specific contractual clauses. If you are offered severance, have a lawyer review the terms before signing. Sometimes negotiation can improve an offer.

What notice period applies when my employer terminates my contract?

Notice periods depend on what your contract says and statutory minimums under BGB section 622. The statutory notice period increases with the length of employment. Collective agreements or individual contracts can set longer notice periods for either side, but not shorter than the statutory minimum for the employer. Check your contract and applicable collective agreements.

Can my employer change my working hours or pay unilaterally?

Changes to essential contract terms typically require your consent, unless the contract or a collective agreement permits changes or there is a clear operational need with appropriate process. Employers can request changes and may issue notices, but unilateral reductions in pay or major changes in working time are often contestable. Seek advice before accepting changes.

What are my rights during sickness?

If you are ill and provide timely medical certification, you are generally entitled to continued pay from the employer for up to six weeks under the Entgeltfortzahlungsgesetz. After six weeks, statutory sick pay from the health insurance may apply. You should notify your employer promptly and submit a medical certificate when required.

How are fixed-term contracts regulated?

Fixed-term contracts without objective reason are regulated by the Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz. Generally, fixed-term contracts may be lawful for up to two years, with limited renewals, unless there is an objective reason for extension. If a fixed-term contract has been prolonged unlawfully, the contract may be deemed permanent. These issues can be complex - consult a lawyer if you suspect unlawful fixed-term employment.

What role does a works council play and how can it help me?

Where a Betriebsrat exists, it represents employees in many workplace matters - including working time, restructurings and social plans. The works council can offer advice, support internal procedures and represent employees in talks with management. It cannot provide legal representation in court, but it can help prepare your case and sometimes facilitate a solution without litigation.

Where do I file a workplace dispute or claim in Aurich?

Employment disputes are brought before the local Arbeitsgericht. For procedural matters you will typically begin with a claim at the Arbeitsgericht. For matters involving social insurance or unemployment, you may deal with the Agentur für Arbeit or the relevant insurance body. A labour lawyer can guide you through the correct forum and steps to take.

Additional Resources

If you need more information or assistance, consider contacting or consulting the following types of organizations and bodies:

- Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - for authoritative information on federal labour laws and regulations.

- Bundesagentur für Arbeit - for questions on unemployment, job placement and benefits.

- Trade unions that represent employees in many sectors - for advice and representation in collective matters.

- Employer associations and the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce - for employer-side guidance and sector information.

- Local works council at your company, if one exists - for internal support.

- Local Rechtsanwaltskammer and specialist labour lawyers - for legal advice and representation. Look for attorneys experienced in Arbeitsrecht and familiar with local courts and practice.

- Consumer advice centres and legal aid offices - for basic guidance and information about funding legal assistance like Prozesskostenhilfe or legal expenses insurance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Aurich, take these practical steps:

- Collect and secure documentation - employment contract, payslips, termination letter, written warnings, correspondence, medical certificates, time sheets and any collective agreements that apply.

- Note deadlines - especially the three-week deadline to file a Kündigungsschutzklage after a dismissal. Set reminders and act promptly.

- Talk to internal representatives - consult your works council or union if available. They may help internally or guide next steps.

- Get an initial legal consultation - contact a lawyer who specialises in labour law to review your documents and advise on options. Ask about fees, initial consultation costs and whether legal expenses insurance may cover representation.

- Consider alternatives to court - mediation or negotiated settlements can resolve disputes faster. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf.

- If litigation is necessary, your lawyer will prepare the claim and represent you at the Arbeitsgericht. Check eligibility for legal fee assistance or legal expenses insurance to cover costs.

Note - This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace personalised legal advice. For a precise assessment of your situation contact a qualified labour-law attorney in Aurich or the surrounding region.