Holiday bonus: am I entitled to it?
Before the summer vacation, many look forward to their holiday bonus, but not everyone gets it. Unlike vacation pay (the normal wage during vacation), a holiday bonus is a voluntary extra payment. Whether you are entitled to it depends on your employment relationship.
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What you should do now
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1. Look for a basis
Does the employment or collective agreement say anything about the holiday bonus?
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2. Check company practice
Was the holiday bonus paid without reservation over several years? Then an entitlement can exist.
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3. Observe equal treatment
If it is paid only to some, the principle of equal treatment can apply.
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4. Assert the entitlement
If there is an entitlement, demand the holiday bonus in writing (observe cut-off periods).
Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to a holiday bonus?
Not by law; a holiday bonus is a voluntary benefit. However, an entitlement can arise from the collective or employment agreement or from company practice. The latter arises when the employer pays the holiday bonus without reservation over several years; then, as a rule, you may also count on it in the future.
What is the difference between a holiday bonus and vacation pay?
Vacation pay is the legally guaranteed continued payment of your normal wage during vacation (Federal Leave Act); you are always entitled to it. A holiday bonus, on the other hand, is an additional, voluntary special payment that is only due if it is promised by contract, collective agreement or company practice.
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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.