Home work wage tariff set for craftsperson articles (qualified and non-qualified)
Austria's Federal Conciliation Office has issued a binding wage tariff for home workers (Heimarbeiter) engaged in qualified or non-qualified manufacture of craft articles. The tariff sets hourly rates of €11.99 (qualified) and €10.33 (non-qualified), plus a 10% home work supplement and statutory leave/Christmas payments, effective June 1, 2026.
What changed
A new mandatory wage tariff for home workers in craft production has been established by the Federal Conciliation Office under the Home Work Act (Heimarbeitsgesetz 1960). This tariff applies across Austria and specifies minimum compensation rates for both qualified work (e.g., icon painting, glass painting, enamel work) and non-qualified work in this sector.
Who is affected
Home workers (both male and female) who manufacture or process craft articles under contract are affected, as are employers (contractors) who engage them. The tariff applies to all work of this type across Austria unless already covered by another home work collective agreement or tariff.
Pay rates and benefits
Qualified home workers must be paid €11.99 per hour for piece-rate calculation; non-qualified workers receive €10.33 per hour. All home workers receive an additional 10% home work supplement on top of calculated piece rates, plus annual leave and Christmas bonuses each equal to four weeks' wages (8%).
When it applies
The tariff took effect on June 1, 2026 and is binding on all employers commissioning this type of home work.