You must get paid for the work you do. Learn about working hours and pay in agriculture in Germany.
Minimum wage
Seasonal workers do get paid the minimum wage in Germany. In 2022, the minimum hourly wage for farm workers in Germany is 9,82 € (from July on 10,45€ and from October on 12 €) gross. It is renegotiated every year.
For every agreed hour you work - you must get the minimum wage.
Piecework
Piecework is allowed! BUT piecework wages may NEVER be less than the hourly minimum wage. Note down in your calendar the quantity of the crops. Only in this way you can check how much you will earn!
You have a right to your pay and you can reclaim the missing money.
You make the reclaim to your employer.
You make the reclaim in a written form.
The counselling centres can help you.
Where to get help?
Examples
- You worked 8 hours. 8 hours x 9,82 € = 78,56 €
- If you agreed a piecework of 3 € per box.
a. You harvest 3 boxes in one hour. 3x3 €= 9€ WRONG! In this case you must get the minimum wage 9,82 €. You always must get at least the minimum wage.
b. You harvest 6 boxes in one hour. You must get 6x3€ = 18€ for that hour. Not only the minimum wage.
Working materials
Your employer must provide working materials and protective equipment for free.
Deductions from your salary for: working materials, personal protective equipment: this includes gloves, sun and rain protection are therefore not allowed!
Working hours record
Protect yourself!
Keep a record of the hours you have worked.