BUrlG

BUrlG is the abbreviation for the Bundesurlaubsgesetz, the German Federal Vacation Act. It establishes the statutory framework for paid annual leave in Germany, detailing how vacation is earned, scheduled, carried over, and paid out. The act implements the principles of the European Union’s Working Time Directive and remains subject to amendments to align with evolving labor practices.

Entitlement and scope: The statute provides a minimum annual leave entitlement of 24 working days for employees with a six-day workweek and 20 working days for those with a five-day workweek. This minimum can be increased by collective agreements, company policies, or individual contracts. The law covers most employees, with certain exceptions in specific sectors or for particular categories of workers, and it interacts with other labor protections and works council rights.

Accrual, scheduling, and carryover: Vacation entitlement generally accrues over the year and is earned on a pro rata basis. Employees typically need to take their leave within the current year, with possible carryover into the following year under justified circumstances. Unused vacation may be subject to statutory limits and conditions for rollover, and is often restricted by employer planning needs. Upon termination of employment, the employer is usually obligated to compensate the employee for any accrued but unused vacation days, subject to contract and applicable law.

Relation to other laws and practice: The BUrlG works alongside collective agreements, company policies, and individual contracts that may grant more favorable terms. Practical administration of the law involves scheduling, approvals, and ensuring lawful payout or carryover of vacation in accordance with Austrian and German labor standards.