Here’s another series of articles – this time on minimum wages and workers’ rights in the countries you ask about most. In the first part, we look at what the purpose of the minimum wage actually is, and what workers’ rights you might encounter. We will then focus on specific areas – Europe, the European Union and Germany.
Read the following two parts:
In the second part we look at our neighbour Austria, which attracts thousands of Czech workers. But we also look at the United States and its virtually non-existent workers’ rights. Finally, we’ll give you some advice on what to look out for when looking for work abroad.
In the third part, we will focus on two European countries – Slovakia and Switzerland. Finally, we’ll look at which countries offer the highest and lowest wages in the world.
Theminimum wage is the minimum amount that every worker should receive for their work. This amount is set by the state and must be respected by every employer. However, not all states have a minimum wage. In particular, countries with a capitalist-based economy and a very free market leave the “invisible hand of the market” without much restriction, even including a minimum wage.
The minimum wage is therefore a way of protecting workers. It is intended to ensure that it covers basic expenses such as housing, food, etc. At the same time, however, it also has an incentive function – it is supposed to motivate people to work, because they will receive more for their work than they would if they received various social assistance benefits.
In the Czech Republic, and in many other countries, the minimum wage is set as the equivalent of a 40-hour working day. It is also regularly changed (increased) to better reflect the cost of living and the overall market situation. In 2024, the Czech minimum monthly wage is set at CZK 18 900 and the hourly wage at CZK 112.50.
Tip: If you are interested in more information about how the minimum wage is set and what it is for in the Czech Republic, then you should not miss our next article.
In addition to the minimum wage, you may also encounter other workers’ rights, both here and abroad. However, these rights will often vary significantly from country to country. Again, you will encounter more limited rights in capitalist free economies, while in more socially based countries, rights will be better. But perhaps only in appearance. For the law is one thing, practice is another. In some countries, social rights are enshrined in collective agreements rather than in law. It is therefore necessary not to make superficial comparisons in detail. Here, however, we give an overview of what is visible.
The most common employee rights include:
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Tip: Want to work abroad as a freelancer? Then read on to find out what it’s like to be able to use your trade in Germany or Slovakia and what you need to do to do so.
Despite what many people think, the EU does not set a mandatory minimum wage. As a result, you may come across member states that do not have a minimum wage at all, such as Italy or Denmark. However, the minimum wage in Europe is generally a fairly well-established principle and most countries have a mandatory minimum wage. Similarly, European countries lead the ranking of highest minimum wages.
The fact that the EU does not have a mandatory minimum wage does not mean that other workers’ rights are not established. European labour law regulates working conditions and workers’ rights to information and consultation. If you work within EU countries, you have the right to:
European labour law also includes requirements for occupational safety standards and protection of vulnerable groups of workers (such as pregnant women, children, etc.). Equality and equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or religion, is also a major issue. There is also an emphasis on labour mobility between EU countries.
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Germany has a legal minimum wage. However, this is a fairly new thing, having only been introduced in 2015. Like in this country, it is regularly increased to take account of inflation and the cost of living. The increase took place on 1 January 2024 and so the minimum hourly wage in Germany is currently set at €12.41. This amounts to EUR 2 151 per month for a 40-hour working week.
The minimum wage in Germany applies to both German residents and foreign workers. However, there are exceptions in the form of trainees, apprentices, the long-term unemployed and certain sectors where higher minimum wages are set by collective agreements.
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In addition to the minimum wage, Germany also provides for overtime pay, which should be one and a half times the normal wage. People working at night are also entitled to extra pay or time off in lieu. Night work is considered to be working between 11pm and 6am in Germany. On the other hand, it is not compulsory in Germany to provide extra pay for working at weekends and on public holidays. What is compulsory, however, is a compensatory day off.
The maximum working time is set at 48 hours per week. In most cases, however, you will encounter 40-hour working hours. Everyone is legally entitled to 24 days of paid time off, but it is common practice for companies to offer 30 days. Parents are entitled to up to three years’ parental leave. As for the probationary period, this is set at 3-6 months, depending on the nature of the work. During this period, the employee can be dismissed with two weeks’ notice.
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As part of the EU, Germany has freedom of movement and labour. You don’t need a visa or permit to work here. Another big advantage is that most qualifications (e.g. degrees, retraining, etc.) are accepted in Germany.
Read the following two parts:
In the second part we look at our neighbour Austria, which attracts thousands of Czech workers. But we also look at the United States and its virtually non-existent workers’ rights. Finally, we’ll give you some advice on what to look out for when looking for work abroad.
In the third part, we will focus on two European countries – Slovakia and Switzerland. Finally, we’ll look at which countries offer the highest and lowest wages in the world.
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