Austria has robust statutory leave entitlements designed to support work-life balance. Austrian labor law mandates minimum vacation time, paid public holidays, and provisions for sick leave and various types of parental leave. Understanding these regulations is crucial for employers and employees alike to ensure compliance and foster a supportive work environment. These regulations are primarily governed by the Austrian Federal Act on Employment (Federal Act on Employment Contract Law and Federal Act on Labour Relations).
Annual Vacation Leave
Austrian employees are entitled to a minimum of 5 weeks (25 working days) of paid vacation per year, based on a five-day work week. After 25 years of service, this increases to 6 weeks (30 working days). Collective bargaining agreements may provide for more generous vacation entitlements.
- Minimum Entitlement: 5 weeks (25 working days)
- After 25 Years of Service: 6 weeks (30 working days)
- Accrual: Vacation time accrues during the first six months of employment; full entitlement is usually granted after this initial period.
- Usage: Vacation time must generally be taken within the current leave year. Unused vacation may be carried over only in specific circumstances, such as illness or operational needs.
- Payment: Employees receive their regular salary during vacation leave.
Public Holidays
Austria observes 13 public holidays each year. Employees are generally entitled to a day off with pay on these holidays. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are typically entitled to additional compensation.
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 |
| Epiphany | January 6 |
| Easter Monday | Varies |
| Labour Day | May 1 |
| Ascension Day | Varies |
| Whit Monday | Varies |
| Corpus Christi | Varies |
| Assumption Day | August 15 |
| National Holiday | October 26 |
| All Saints' Day | November 1 |
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 |
| St. Stephen's Day | December 26 |
Sick Leave
Austrian employees are entitled to sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness. The duration and payment of sick leave depend on the employee's length of service.
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Entitlement: Employees are entitled to continued payment of their salary during sick leave.
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Duration and Pay:
Length of Service Continued Payment Less than 1 year 6 weeks at full pay, 4 weeks at half pay 1 to 15 years 8 weeks at full pay, 4 weeks at half pay 16 to 25 years 10 weeks at full pay, 4 weeks at half pay More than 25 years 12 weeks at full pay, 4 weeks at half pay -
Notification: Employees must notify their employer of their illness as soon as possible. A medical certificate is usually required after three days of absence.
Parental Leave
Austria provides comprehensive parental leave benefits for both mothers and fathers, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
- Duration: Typically begins 8 weeks before the expected date of delivery and lasts for 8 weeks after the birth.
- Protection: Mothers are protected from dismissal during pregnancy and maternity leave.
- Benefits: During maternity leave, mothers receive maternity allowance (Wochengeld), which is generally equivalent to their average net salary.
Paternity Leave (Father's Month)
- Duration: Fathers are entitled to take a "Father's Month" (Väterkarenz) immediately following the birth of their child.
- Requirements: Requires agreement with the employer and notification within specified timeframes.
- Benefits: During paternity leave, fathers can claim family allowance (Familienbeihilfe) and may be eligible for childcare benefits.
Parental Leave (for both parents)
- Duration: Either parent can take parental leave until the child's second birthday. The leave can be taken by one parent or shared between both.
- Benefits: Parents on leave receive parental allowance (Kinderbetreuungsgeld), the amount of which depends on the chosen allowance scheme. Several options are available, including a flat-rate system and an income-based system.
- Protection: Employees are protected from dismissal during parental leave.
Adoption Leave
- Entitlement: Parents who adopt a child are entitled to similar leave benefits as biological parents.
- Duration: The duration of adoption leave is generally the same as parental leave, extending until the child's second birthday.
Other Types of Leave
In addition to annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave, Austrian law and collective bargaining agreements may provide for other types of leave.
- Bereavement Leave: Employees are typically entitled to a few days of paid leave in the event of the death of a close family member. The exact duration may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.
- Study Leave: Some collective bargaining agreements provide for study leave for employees to pursue further education or training.
- Sabbatical Leave: While not legally mandated, some employers may offer sabbatical leave as part of their benefits package. The terms and conditions of sabbatical leave are usually agreed upon individually between the employer and employee.
- Care Leave: Employees are entitled to take leave to care for sick family members. The duration and conditions of care leave are regulated by law and collective agreements.
- Marriage Leave: Employees are often granted a few days of leave for their own marriage.
