Home Work Act 1960: updated metadata and new worker protection provisions
The Austrian Home Work Act has been updated with new provisions requiring employers to provide written employment terms and conditions to home workers, either on paper or electronically. These changes take effect on the date specified in § 74 Abs. 10 of the amended law.
What changed
New § 8 provisions require home work employers (Auftraggeber) to provide written documentation of delivery conditions and a "Dienstzettel" (employment particulars document) to home workers, either in paper or electronic form at the worker's choice. The employment particulars must include employer and worker names and addresses, start date, end date (if fixed-term), notice period, type of work, and details of pay calculation and payment timing. Employers must notify workers of any changes within one day of taking effect (unless caused by law changes). If a written employment contract already covers all required information, a separate employment particulars document is not needed.
Who is affected
Home workers and their employers in Austria. Home workers who were already employed when these rules take effect may request an employment particulars document within two months. Employers are exempt from providing such a document if they previously issued one or a written employment contract containing all legally required information.
What to look out for
Home workers should request written employment terms if not yet provided. Employers must update workers on any changes to employment terms promptly. The law also requires that any applicable home work collective agreements and pay scales be displayed visibly in the workplace and provided to workers upon first assignment or on request.