German labor law provides protections for employees in Germany

According to German labor laws, the protection of employees in this country is highly considered. In the article from Wise Business Group, we will explain the most important protections the German labor law offers employees.

Protections provided to employees under German labor law

German labor law significantly supports the workforce in this country. This high level of employee protection in Germany is characterized above all by the principle of equal treatment. It is the equality principle’s result.

The principle of equal treatment

The effects of equal treatment often appear in two different directions. It means that the society undertakes to treat the citizens of the European Union and the citizens of a particular member state equally. Also, it is mandatory to observe the general principle of equal treatment in dealing with all workers in a workplace.

The principle of equal treatment requires the employer to have the same treatment with all workers or groups of workers in a similar situation and to avoid discriminating against them. An exception to this rule occurs only when the difference in behavior is due to an <<objective reason>>.

Read more on Wise Business Group: Hiring foreign workers and professionals in Germany.

The law regulating the general minimum wage in Germany

Another protection of the German labor law for the workforce is the legislator’s attention to salaries and wages.

In Germany, the minimum wage is determined by a special law called the General Minimum Wage Regulation (The minimum wage law) or Gesetz zur Regelung eines allgemeinen Mindestlohns (Mindestlohngesetz – MiLoG).

If the German Customs Agency finds non-compliance with the law in paying wages, it will require the employer to pay the minimum wage and a financial penalty.

General Minimum Wage

Every employer in Germany has to to pay the minimum wage to his employees, even if he does not satisfy with their performance.

Since October 2022, the gross minimum wage for an employee in Germany will be €12 per hour of actual work.

In general, the wage amount in the agreements concluded between the employer and the trade unions in Germany is higher than the minimum wage prescribed by law. Thus, it will bring more benefits to the employees.

Read more on Wise Business Group: What are the employment contracts in Germany include?

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German labor law protections for employees

German labor law significantly supports the workforce in this country. One of these protections is compliance with the principle of equal treatment.

According to the principle of equal treatment, German society should treat EU citizens and nationals of certain other countries equally. In addition, every employer in Germany must treat all workers who work in the same place and under similar conditions the same.

Another aspect of the German labor law’s protection for employees is the consideration of wages. The law determines the minimum wage in Germany.

From October 2022, the minimum gross wage in Germany will be 12 euros per hour of work. All employers in Germany have to pay this amount to their employees. Otherwise, the German customs agency will fine them.

Read the translation of this article in Persian, here.

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Wise Business Group

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information about German labor law, how to hire personnel, or conclude work contracts in this country. Our group is ready to serve you with the benefit of experienced business consultants.

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