In a previous blog, we announced our new federal government’s ambitious plans regarding the labour market, employment law and pensions. Just before heading off on a sunny break, the government has now come to an agreement on a first set of measures, which journalists – clearly also in desperate need of a break – have uninspiringly baptised the “Summer Agreement”.

So, what does the Summer Agreement hold for employers?

• Night work
  • The general ban on night work will be abolished. Night work is currently prohibited, unless an exception applies. Going forward, this prohibition will be removed.
  • The definition of night work in the distribution sector and e-commerce will change: night work will be between midnight and 5 a.m., instead of the current limits of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • Employees entering into a night work regime after the date of entry into force of the new legislation will still be eligible for a night work allowance, but only if they work after midnight.
  • The regime applying to employees already working nights will be “grandfathered”.
• Voluntary overtime
  360 hours of voluntary overtime will be possible without justification or compensatory rest, with 240 hours being paid tax-free. The only requirement is a prior written agreement between employer and employee.
• Work rosters
  The obligation to include all work schedules in the employee handbook will be waived, provided that employees are fully informed about the application of their specific work schedules.
• Notice periods
  ...

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