NATIONAL LABOUR MARKET POLICIES
Basic Information Reports
2.2.2.1.Working Hours Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz - AZG)
The Working Hours Act regulates normal working hours, maximum working hours, rest breaks and rest periods.
The norm assumed by the AZG is a working week of 40 hours and a working day of eight hours, although there is also a range of alternative possibilities for the distribution of normal working hours.
Thus, for example, longer calculation periods for normal weekly working hours may be laid down in collective agreements. The calculation period may amount to more than a year if the compensatory hours worked are grouped in periods lasting several weeks. Normal weekly working hours may not exceed 48 hours in a single week or 50 hours in the case of calculation periods of up to eight weeks.
If rest periods lasting several days in succession are granted, up to ten hours may be worked per day, as long as this is provided for in a collective agreement.
A premium of 50% of the normal hourly wage is payable for overtime.
Special regulations are in force for drivers and co-drivers of motor vehicles and for certain hospital employees.
The AZG also prohibits discrimination against part-time employees.
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