Your Rights in the Meat Industry in Germany

Minimum Wage

• There is a minimum wage of €13.90 gross per hour. Taxes are deducted from this. Nobody is allowed to receive less.
• The statutory minimum wage is increased regularly. You can find out more from the German Food and Catering Union (“Nahrung-Genuss-Gaststätten” (NGG)) or an advice centre.

Collectively Agreed Wages

• In some companies, you are entitled to higher pay.
• This is due to collective agreements in those companies. These agreements set wages and working conditions, negotiated between the trade union (NGG) and the employer.
• The NGG can enforce these agreements more effectively when many employees are union members.
  Ask whether there is a collective agreement in your company.

Working Hours

• Your working hours must be recorded electronically.
• Standard working hours are 8 hours per day.
• Working up to 10 hours a day is allowed in some cases. However, over a 6-month period, the average must not exceed 8 hours per day.
• You must take a break after a maximum of 6 hours of work. This gives you time to rest and eat.
• The time needed to change clothes and walking within the factory counts as working time. This time must be paid.
• Tasks like sharpening knives also count as working hours. 

Payslip

• You must receive a payslip (“Lohnabrechnung”) from your employer every month.
• Check it carefully:
  Have all your working hours and allowances been paid correctly?
• You may see deductions on your payslip – for example:
  • If you received an advance payment.
  • If you paid rent for accommodation provided by the company.

Notice of Termination

• Notices of termination must always be in writing. Verbal dismissals issued by your foreman are not legally valid.
• You only have 3 weeks after a dismissal to take legal action against it.
• Termination without notice or signing a termination agreement (“Aufhebungsvertrag”) can cause issues when claiming unemployment benefits.

Occupational Safety and Insurance

• Your employer must ensure your safety at work.
• If you have a work-related accident, go to a specialised doctor (“Durchgangsarzt”) or a hospital.
• Tell the company and the hospital that you have suffered an accident at work. The accident must be reported.
• You should know which health insurance you have. Always have your insurance card with you.

Accommodation

• Accommodation may often be provided as part of your employment contract.
• You are entitled to your own tenancy agreement. This must answer:
  • How much is the rent?
  • What additional costs (e.g., electricity, water) do you have to pay?
• The rent must not be excessively high.
• If you are threatened with eviction or termination of your tenancy, contact the police (110) or an advice centre for help.

Works Council

• The works council supports you with workplace issues, ensures rules are followed, and advocates on your behalf.
• Find out who your works council members are.
• The works council is elected by employees. It represents employees in discussions with the employer