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DGB youth informs about rights and obligations for holiday work
At the beginning of the summer vacation, many young people are looking for a holiday job - be it to gain initial professional experience or improve pocket money. But not everyone knows what rules apply. The DGB youth therefore points out the most important legal requirements.
"Every student should only start with a valid contract in the holiday job," says Kristof Becker, Federal Youth Secretary of the German Trade Union Federation (DGB). The employment contract must clearly regulate which activities are carried out, how high the payment is and when it is worked.
What is allowed - and what is not
The Youth Labor Protection Act determines which activities are allowed for minors. Accordingly, severe physical or dangerous work are basically taboo. Instead, light activities such as newspapers are allowed, messenger or gardening. "Dangerous work is fundamentally prohibited for children and adolescents under the age of 18," emphasizes Becker.
The permitted working hours are based on age:
- , 13- to 14 year olds are allowed to work for up to two hours a day (in agriculture three) between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- 15- to 17 year olds are allowed to work for a maximum of four weeks per calendar year during the holidays- a maximum of eight hours a day and 40 hours a week, usually between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Exceptions apply to older adolescents: from the age of 16 in restaurants, employment is allowed until 10 p.m., even until 11 p.m. in shift companies.
Breaks and payment
Break regulations are also required by law. Those who are under 18 years old are entitled to at least 30 minutes of break for at least 60 minutes at four and a half to six hours of work.
The minimum wage law only applies to employees of adults. The current minimum wage is 12.82 euros per hour. Young people under the age of 18 without completed vocational training are not entitled to minimum wages. "This discriminatory exception must finally be abolished," says Becker. If a collective agreement applies in the company, it must also be applied for holiday jobs - regardless of age.
In the event of problems: support from the union
The DGB advises to contact the local branches of the unions at an early stage. Membership can also help to enforce rights. "Nobody should accept poor payment and violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act," said Becker.
DGB youth offers further information on the holiday work and legal basics at: www.dgb-jugend.de
(Red/DGB)
