Piece-rate wage tariff set for home-based woodworkers in Austria
The Federal Arbitration Office has established binding pay rates for self-employed home-based woodworkers (Heimarbeiter) producing wooden goods. The tariff sets an hourly rate of €11.78 for calculating piece-work payments, plus a 10% home-work surcharge, effective 1 June 2026.
What changed
A new official wage tariff has been issued for home-based woodworkers and wood-goods manufacturers in Austria. This tariff defines minimum piece-rate compensation: work is valued at €11.78 per hour, and workers receive an additional 10% 'home-work supplement' (Heimarbeitszuschlag) on top of that calculated piece rate.
Who is affected
The tariff applies to all employers (Auftraggeber) who hire home-based workers for the manufacture or processing of turned wood goods and other wooden items, and to all such workers across Austria. It covers only work not already covered by another collective home-work agreement or tariff.
What to look out for
Employers must calculate piece-work payments based on the €11.78 hourly rate and must separately show the 10% home-work surcharge on payment documents. The tariff took effect on 1 June 2026 and is binding nationwide.