WIEG
The WIEG (Introduction of Extra Maternity Leave Act) has come into effect. This law grants employees maternity leave after the birth of their partner’s child. Employees who work 5 days a week are entitled to 5 days off. If one works fewer hours per week, this partner leave is equivalent to the number of working hours per week. From July 1, 2020, partners can receive an additional 5 weeks of maternity leave in the first six months after the baby’s birth.
Severance pay
The maximum transition payment has been increased to € 81,000 (previously € 79,000)
The ‘small employers scheme’ is being relaxed. This means that the financial requirements to demonstrate a business economic necessity are being eased, so that a small employer is more likely to qualify for this scheme. When the small employers scheme is applied, the years of service of the employee prior to May 1, 2013 are not counted, so that the transition payment is often lower.
WOR
As of January 1, 2019, the Works Councils Act (WOR) has also been amended. An annual discussion on wages and salary differences within companies with 100 or more employees will then be mandatory.
