If you work in Austria whether in a café, office, retail store, or as an intern you are protected by Austrian labor laws and collective agreements. These rules ensure fair pay, safe working conditions, and protection against unfair treatment. Knowing your rights will help you avoid exploitation and handle problems with confidence.
Written Contract (Dienstvertrag): You have the right to a written contract outlining your job title, tasks, working hours, salary, start date, and notice period.
Even if you start work without a written contract, you must receive a written confirmation of employment terms (Dienstzettel) within the first month.
Read the contract carefully, check your agreed hours, pay, and whether your job is covered by a collective agreement.
Austria does not have a universal legal minimum wage, but most industries have collective agreements (Kollektivverträge) that set a minimum hourly rate (as of 2025, generally around €1,800 gross per month for full-time 40h/w work, pro-rated for part-time).
If your employer does not apply a collective agreement, they still cannot pay unreasonably low wages (protection against “wage dumping”).
Standard full-time: 40 hours per week (sometimes 38.5 or 37.5 depending on the collective agreement).
Part-time: Anything less than full-time; paid proportionally.
Overtime pay: At least 50% more than your standard hourly rate, unless compensated with extra time off.
You are entitled to paid breaks depending on shift length (e.g., 30 minutes if you work over 6 hours).
Full-time workers: 5 weeks of paid vacation per year (pro-rated for part-time).
You also get paid time off for Austrian public holidays (if the holiday falls on a day you normally work).
As a student worker on a proper employment contract, you are entitled to these rights too.
You have the right to paid sick leave (Entgeltfortzahlung) if you can’t work due to illness or accident.
The length of paid sick leave depends on how long you’ve been employed (e.g., 6 weeks full pay for employees with less than one year in the job).
Always inform your employer immediately and provide a doctor’s certificate if required.
Check more details about health and sick leaves in the dedicated section here!
Your employer must provide a safe workplace, proper equipment, and training for your role.
For jobs with health risks (labs, kitchens, construction), employers must follow strict safety standards.
You can refuse unsafe work without penalty.
Discrimination based on gender, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or age is prohibited under Austrian law.
You can report discrimination or harassment to the Arbeiterkammer (AK), your trade union, or the Equal Treatment Ombud.
If you earn above a certain monthly threshold (€518.44 in 2025), your employer must register you for Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) — covering health, accident, pension, and unemployment insurance.
If your income exceeds the tax-free annual amount (€12,816 in 2025), income tax will be deducted.
Arbeiterkammer (AK) Chamber for Workers and Employees :
mandatory (automatic) membership for employees; offers free legal advice, contract checks, and representation.
Their website can be used as a reference for work-related info: arbeiterkammer.at
ÖH Student Union – legal advice for work and study issues.
Trade Unions (Gewerkschaften) – they will negotiate better pay and conditions in your sector.
