Christmas bonus cut? When you are still entitled to one
The Christmas bonus is not paid this year, even though it used to be? There is no statutory entitlement to a Christmas bonus, but one can arise from your employment contract, a collective agreement or 'established company practice'.
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Assert your claim →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Check the basis
Is the Christmas bonus in the employment or collective agreement? Or was it paid without reservation for several years (established practice)?
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2. Check reservations
Is there a reservation of voluntariness or of revocation? Check whether it is clearly and validly worded.
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3. Assert it in writing
Demand the Christmas bonus in writing with a deadline, and observe any exclusion periods.
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4. Use advice
In a dispute, a union or employment-law advice can help. If necessary, the labor court decides.
Frequently asked questions
Am I entitled to a Christmas bonus?
Not by law, but possibly from your employment contract, a collective agreement, a works agreement or established company practice. The latter arises if the employer paid the Christmas bonus several times (usually three years in a row) without reservation.
Can the employer simply cut the Christmas bonus?
Only if no binding entitlement exists, for example because of a valid reservation of voluntariness. If the entitlement arises from a contract, collective agreement or established practice, it cannot be cut unilaterally. Check the clauses carefully.
Take action now
We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.
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.