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Emergency

Short-time work ordered: do I have to go along with it?

Less work, less pay: short-time work can hurt financially. Important to know: the employer cannot simply order short-time work unilaterally. They need a legal basis, and you are entitled to short-time allowance.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Short-time work must be based on a legal foundation: a collective agreement, a works agreement, or your individual consent (employment contract or agreement). Without such a basis, the employer cannot simply cut your working time and thus your pay.
If short-time work is validly introduced, the employment agency pays short-time allowance, generally 60 % of the net loss of pay, or 67 % with a child. Your employment relationship remains in place.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the basis

    Is there a collective agreement, a works agreement or a contractual short-time-work clause?

  2. 2

    2. Object if there is no basis

    If a legal basis is missing, you can object to the pay cut and demand your full pay.

  3. 3

    3. Clarify the short-time allowance

    Have the scope and calculation of the short-time allowance explained (60 % / 67 %).

  4. 4

    4. Get help

    A works council, union or employment-law advisor can support you in disputes.

Frequently asked questions

Can my employer simply order short-time work?

No. Short-time work requires a legal basis: a collective agreement, a works agreement or your individual consent. Without such a basis, the employer may not unilaterally reduce your working time and your pay; you can then demand your full pay.

How much money do I get with short-time work?

With valid short-time work, the employment agency pays short-time allowance generally amounting to 60 % of the lost net pay, or 67 % with at least one child. So it only offsets part of the loss of pay. Your employment relationship continues during short-time work.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.