Salary
How to correctly interpret the collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) in your industry
- Collective agreement
- Labor Law
- Austria
- Minimum Wage
- Salary
A collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) regulates key employment conditions such as minimum wages and working hours; correct understanding ensures claims to special payments and deadlines.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) is a written agreement between trade unions and employers' associations, applicable to an entire industry in Austria. This agreement sets minimum standards for working conditions that must not be violated.
- Minimum wages and salaries
- Working time regulations
- Special payments
- Allowances and premiums
- Notice periods
Key contents in the collective agreement
The collective agreement contains various regulations essential for employment in a specific industry. These include minimum wages tied to qualification levels and working time regulations that define maximum working hours.
- Minimum wages based on qualification
- Regulations for normal working hours and overtime
- Vacation and Christmas bonuses
- Allowances for special working conditions
How to properly read the collective agreement
To correctly apply the collective agreement, you should first check its scope. Ensure that the collective agreement is valid for your industry and company.
Check into which classification or salary level you are categorized, as this determines your minimum salary. Ensure you receive all special payments like vacation and Christmas bonuses.
- Check the scope
- Determine classification group
- Understand working hours
- Check special payments
Note
The current collective agreement must be available for inspection at the workplace.
Example: Collective agreement in retail
An employee in retail could benefit from a collective agreement applicable to retail employees. This sets the minimum salary, working hours, and special payments.
The minimum salary depends on the classification group and years of service. Weekly normal working hours and overtime premiums are also defined.
- Minimum salary by classification group
- Overtime premiums
- Vacation and Christmas bonuses
Frequently Asked Questions
A collective agreement is an agreement between trade unions and employers about working conditions for an industry.
The collective agreement should be accessible at the workplace. Check if it applies to your industry.
Minimum wages, working time regulations, special payments, and notice periods.
It ensures minimum standards and helps enforce claims like salary and special payments.
This post was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Sources
This article provides an overview to the best of our knowledge (as of July 2026) and does not replace legal advice. Binding information on labor law and collective agreements is provided by the Chamber of Labor and the relevant union.
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