Feiertagszuschläge

Feiertagszuschläge, which translates to holiday pay or holiday bonuses, are additional payments made to employees who work on public holidays in Germany. These surcharges are regulated by collective bargaining agreements (Tarifverträge) or individual employment contracts, and their specific amounts and conditions can vary significantly. The legal framework does not mandate a universal Feiertagszuschlag, meaning entitlement and rates are primarily determined by contractual agreements.

The purpose of these surcharges is to compensate employees for working on days that are typically reserved for rest, family gatherings, and leisure. Public holidays recognized in Germany include New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi (in some states), All Saints' Day (in some states), Assumption Day (in some states), German Unity Day, Reformation Day (in some states), and Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The amount of the Feiertagszuschlag is usually calculated as a percentage of the employee's regular hourly wage. For example, working on Sundays or public holidays might be compensated with a surcharge of 25% to 150%, depending on the agreement and the specific holiday. In some cases, employers may offer compensatory time off in lieu of holiday pay, though this is less common and subject to agreement. It is crucial for employees to consult their employment contract or relevant collective bargaining agreement to understand their specific entitlements regarding Feiertagszuschläge.