Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Labor law in Murau is based on Austrian federal law and on collective agreements that apply across industries and regions. Employment relationships are governed by contract law, statutory protections and sectoral collective-bargaining agreements - for example on wages, working hours and notice periods. In practice this means that many rules for employees and employers in Murau are the same as elsewhere in Austria, but local institutions - such as the regional offices of the Chamber of Labour, the Labour Inspectorate and social insurance bodies - handle advice, enforcement and administration close to Murau.
Employment issues often affect personal finances and daily life, and sometimes require timely action. You may need a lawyer when:
- Your employer dismisses you and you want to check whether the dismissal is lawful or pursue compensation.
- You face unpaid wages, unpaid overtime or disputes about bonuses and holiday pay.
- You are offered or have signed a fixed-term contract and need advice on renewals, probation clauses or conversion to a permanent contract.
- You experience discrimination, harassment or unlawful treatment at work.
- You need help with negotiations on severance, settlement agreements or redundancy packages.
- A works council or union procedure does not resolve a dispute and you must go to court or mediation.
- You require representation before labour or social courts or need to file urgent claims within short legal deadlines.
Key legal concepts and institutions relevant in Murau include:
- Federal rules and collective agreements - Most substantive rights and obligations come from federal statutes and collective-bargaining agreements. Collective agreements are common in Austria and often set minimum pay, working hours and notice periods for specific sectors.
- Employment contract - The written or verbal contract sets out duties, pay and basic terms. Where a collective agreement applies, it may override or supplement the contract.
- Works council - Companies of a certain size may have a works council that represents employees on issues like reorganisations, dismissals and workplace safety. The works council has statutory consultation and information rights under the Works Constitution Act.
- Labour inspection and occupational safety - The Austrian Labour Inspectorate and regional authorities supervise working conditions and occupational health and safety.
- Social insurance and accident insurance - Health insurance, pension and workplace accident matters are handled through Austria's social insurance institutions including the ÖGK and AUVA for workplace accidents.
- Courts and dispute resolution - Employment disputes are usually handled by specialised labour and social courts or by civil courts for contract-based claims. Alternative dispute resolution and settlement talks are common before formal proceedings.
Stay calm and act quickly. Ask for the dismissal in writing and note the date and reason given. Check your employment contract and any applicable collective agreement for notice periods and entitlements. Contact your works council, the Chamber of Labour or a labour lawyer for a prompt assessment. Time limits for court claims may be short, so seek advice without delay.
Notice periods depend on the employment contract, length of service, and any applicable collective agreement. There is no single national notice period that applies in all cases. Check your contract and the relevant collective agreement. If in doubt, have a lawyer or the Chamber of Labour review the specifics for you.
Yes. If a dismissal is based on prohibited grounds such as gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion or family status, it may be unlawful under Austrian equal treatment rules. Even non-discriminatory dismissals can be contestable if procedures were not followed or if statutory protections apply. Seek legal advice quickly to understand remedies and deadlines.
You can claim unpaid wages, overtime and related entitlements. Keep payslips, time records and any written correspondence. Contact your employer in writing to request payment and keep a copy. If that fails, the Chamber of Labour or a lawyer can help you bring a claim. Prompt action is important because legal limitation periods apply.
Fixed-term contracts are commonly used in Austria but must meet legal and contractual requirements. Repeated renewals of fixed-term contracts can create risks that the employment relationship will be regarded as permanent. The exact rules depend on the sector and any collective agreement. If you have questions about renewals, probation or conversion to a permanent contract, seek tailored advice.
Austrian law provides maternity protection and parental leave rights. Pregnant employees have specific protections against dismissal and are entitled to maternity leave around the birth. Parents can take parental leave and may be eligible for financial support schemes while caring for a child. The precise duration and benefits depend on individual circumstances and statutory programs.
A works council represents employees in consultations with the employer on issues such as restructuring, dismissals, workplace rules and safety. If your workplace has a works council, it should be informed about significant changes and can assist you with internal complaints. The works council cannot replace a lawyer but can be an important early support.
Seek medical attention immediately and inform your employer. The accident should be reported to the workplace accident insurance carrier. Keep records of medical reports and any communication with your employer about the incident. If there is a dispute about coverage, liability or compensation, contact AUVA, your social insurer and consider legal advice.
Lawyers charge in different ways - hourly rates, fixed fees for specific work or contingency arrangements for certain matters. Many employees can obtain advice from the Chamber of Labour at low cost or for free. Legal expenses insurance can cover lawyer fees in many cases. For court proceedings, there is also the option of legal aid - known as Prozesskostenhilfe - for those who qualify financially.
Limitation periods vary by the type of claim. Wage and contractual claims frequently face relatively short limitation periods, and other employment claims may have their own deadlines. Because statutory time limits can affect your right to claim, contact a lawyer or the Chamber of Labour as soon as possible after a dispute arises.
Useful local and national institutions to contact for information and help include:
- Chamber of Labour - provides advice and representation to employees and can review contracts and claims.
- Works council at your workplace - for internal representation and consultation on workplace matters.
- Austrian Labour Inspectorate - for workplace safety, working time and health issues.
- Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) - for unemployment advice, benefits and job placement.
- Social insurance institutions - for health, pension and accident insurance matters.
- AUVA - for workplace accident reporting and assistance.
- Trade unions - for sector-specific support and collective-bargaining information.
- Local district authority - for certain administrative matters and inspections.
Follow these practical steps if you need legal assistance:
- Gather documents - collect your employment contract, payslips, written communications, time records and any notices or agreements from your employer.
- Note important dates - date of dismissal, dates of incidents, deadlines mentioned in notices and any dates you were told for meetings.
- Seek early advice - contact the Chamber of Labour, your works council or a specialised labour lawyer for an initial assessment. Early contact protects your rights and preserves evidence.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or settlement talks can resolve disputes faster than court and preserve relationships where possible.
- Prepare for possible court steps - if court action is necessary, ask your adviser about legal aid, expected costs and likely timelines so you can make an informed decision.
This guide is intended as general information and not as a substitute for personalised legal advice. For a situation-specific assessment, consult a qualified labour lawyer or one of the institutions listed above in Murau or the region of Styria.
