Munkajog

Munkajog, or labor law, is the branch of civil law that regulates the relationship between employers and employees and the establishment of working conditions. It covers the creation, performance and termination of employment relationships, as well as the rules governing remuneration, hours of work, leave, health and safety, and social rights. Nationally, munkajog is primarily framed by the Labour Code (Munka Törvénykönyve) and related legislation, which set out standards for employment contracts, minimum wage, overtime, rest periods, annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave. Employers and employees may enter into fixed-term or open-ended contracts; probationary periods may be allowed; notice and severance rules determine termination processes.

A central goal of munkajog is to protect workers' rights while allowing reasonable flexibility for businesses. Provisions on equal treatment prohibit discrimination on grounds such as gender, age, race, religion, or disability. Health and safety obligations require employers to provide safe working conditions and proper training. Wage rules ensure timely and lawful compensation, with mechanisms to address wage disputes.

Collective labor relations play a significant role, with trade unions and collective agreements setting additional terms at sector or company level, negotiated in good faith. Disputes arising under munkajog are typically resolved through administrative bodies or courts, with remedies including damages, reinstatement, or compensation.

EU directives and national reforms continually shape the field, affecting areas from work-life balance to flexible work arrangements and platform work. Munkajog thus combines contract law, social law, and public-regulatory elements to regulate modern employment.