Maximum overtime work
In general, the law in Austria permits you to work a maximum of 12 hours a day or 60 hours a week (incl. overtime). Working for 60 hours a week is only permitted for a limited period according to the regulations of the AGRAR-collective agreement.
In some collective agreements, it is also allowed to work on Sundays or public holidays, if there is an urgent need for that (e.g. spoiling of the harvest).
What are the rates for overtime payment?
Each overtime hour you work more than your daily or weekly working hours, you have to be paid 50% extra of your hourly pay or get time off.
From 7 p.m. – 5 a.m. and work on Sundays
If you work at night (from 7 o’clock p.m. to 5 o’clock a.m.) or on Sundays or public holidays, you must get 100% percent extra each overtime working hour.
Flexible working hours
Even if you have a contract with flexible working hours, or if you work part-time, it should also be defined in the contract, when you get overtime payment.
Compensatory time off
Companies often offer overtime as compensatory time off. If you agree to this kind of compensation, working overtime one hour counts for 1,5 hours off. Overtime of 1 hour on Sundays or public holidays counts for 2 hours off.
Breaks
Breaks in Austria are not included as working time and you are not paid for breaks.
Document your working hours
It is very important that you write down your working hours to control and document your overtime work! Learn more in record your working hours.
Learn more about pay and overtime pay in Austria: