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DGB Youth provides information about rights and obligations during holiday work
With the start of the summer holidays, many young people are looking for a holiday job – whether to gain initial work experience or to supplement their pocket money. However, not everyone knows what rules apply. The DGB Youth therefore points out the most important legal requirements.
“Every student should only start a holiday job with a valid contract,” says Kristof Becker, Federal Youth Secretary of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). The employment contract must clearly stipulate what tasks will be performed, how much will be paid, and when work will be carried out.
What is allowed – and what is not
The Youth Employment Protection Act stipulates which activities are permitted for minors. Accordingly, heavy physical or dangerous work is generally prohibited. Light tasks such as delivering newspapers, running errands, or gardening are permitted instead. "Dangerous work is generally prohibited for children and young people under 18," emphasizes Becker.
The permitted working hours depend on age:
- Children aged 13 to 14 are allowed to work up to two hours a day (three hours in agriculture) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. with parental consent.
- 15- to 17-year-olds are allowed to work for a maximum of four weeks per calendar year during the holidays – no more than eight hours per day and 40 hours per week, usually between 6 am and 8 pm.
- Exceptions apply to older teenagers: From the age of 16, employment in restaurants is permitted until 10 pm, and in shift work even until 11 pm.
Breaks and payment
Break regulations are also legally mandated. Those under 18 years of age are entitled to at least a 30-minute break for four and a half to six hours of work, and at least 60 minutes for more than six hours.
The minimum wage law applies only to employees of legal age. The current minimum wage is €12.82 per hour. Young people under 18 without completed vocational training are not entitled to the minimum wage. "This discriminatory exception must finally be abolished," demands Becker. If a collective bargaining agreement applies in a company, it must also be applied to holiday jobs – regardless of age.
In case of problems: support from the union
The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) advises contacting local union offices early on if problems arise. Union membership can also help enforce rights. "No one should tolerate poor pay and violations of occupational safety laws," said Becker.
Further information on holiday work and legal regulations can be found on the DGB Youth website: www.dgb-jugend.de
(RED/DGB)
