Outworker wage tariff for brush and borsle manufacturing and processing established
Austria's Federal Arbitration Office has set mandatory wage rates and working-time standards for outworkers (Heimarbeiter) engaged in brush and bristle manufacturing nationwide. The tariff takes effect June 1, 2026.
What changed
A new outworker wage tariff specifies standard time allowances for 21 categories of brush and bristle products (from decorative brushes to toilet brushes), ranging from 145 to 317 minutes per 1,000 bundles. Base hourly rates are set at €11.78 per hour for general craft businesses and €14.73 for firms in the wood-processing industry trade association.
Who is affected
All outworkers (home-based employees) producing or processing brushes and bristles in Austria, and all employers engaging them in craft or industrial operations. The tariff applies nationwide and covers work not already regulated under existing outworker collective agreements.
Key payment rules
Piece-rate wages are calculated from the specified time allowances and hourly rates. All outworkers receive a mandatory 10% home-work supplement on top of piece rates; those supplying their own tools receive 20%. Both supplements must be shown separately on pay statements.
What to look out for
The tariff applies only to brush and bristle work not covered by other sectoral agreements. Employers in the wood-processing industry (Fachverband der Holzindustrie) must use the higher €14.73 rate. The effective date is 1 June 2026.