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Seasonal work in Germany at the harvest 2022: conditions for remuneration, accommodation and insurance

Work in Germany. Seasonal work in Germany for the harvest 2022. Minimum wage, housing, subsistence and contributions. Here’s what the regulations are for seasonal work in Germany:

Seasonal work in Germany 2022 – harvest – how much is the minimum wage

From July 1,2022, the minimum wage per hour worked in Germany is EUR 10.45 gross. A full-time job per month gives you EUR 1,811 gross per month. From October 1, 2022 the minimum wage in Germany will increase to EUR 12 gross.

Seasonal work in Germany – employment contract 

There is no obligation to enter into a written employment contract in Germany. Oral arrangements or sent by e-mail are treated as binding. However, the employer must provide written terms and conditions of employment after one month at the latest.

The contract must include:

  • The name and address of the employee as well as the name and address of the employer
  • The commencement date and the expected duration of the employment relationship workplace
  • Description of responsibilities
  • The amount of the salary, any additional salary supplements and the date of their payment
  • Agreed working hours, including a guaranteed minimum working time
  • Length of the holiday leave
  • Notice of termination of employment
  • Information on applicable collective agreements

The minimum wage and the piecework wage

In agriculture, employers often set the amount of the employee’s salary depending on the amount of fruit and vegetables harvested – this is known as piece pay.

Thanks to this, employees can receive higher wages. If an employee collects more boxes per hour that exceeds the statutory minimum wage of 10.45 euros gross, he/she will receive a higher salary.

READ ALSO: Minimum wages in Germany 2022: guide in English

Working in Germany: Minimum wage – what is the rate per hour

Working time in Germany 

The average working hours in Germany is 8 hours a day. Periodically, it may be extended up to 10 hours a day. The employee should have at least 11 hours of rest between two shifts. In the case of harvest work, the working time starts with work in the field. Only journeys between fields during the working day are added to the working time.

Seasonal work – tools, water, protective gloves – who pays for it

Under German law, the employer must provide the employee with personal protective equipment and tools. In case of work in hot weather, it must provide enough water.

He must not deduct any security money from his salary. Check on your payslip to see if this is adhered to.

READ ALSO: Working in Germany 2022: Minimum wage, covid bonus and sick leave in a new form

Seasonal work in Germany and social security contributions

Whether or not an employee is subject to compulsory social insurance depends on the type of employment contract. Seasonal workers are most often insured.

The employee should complete a validation questionnaire insurance obligation from the insurance website social for agriculture, forestry and horticulture here: www.svlfg.de/auslaendische-saisonarbeitskraefte.

Accommodation and subsistence costs for agricultural workers in Germany

The employee must receive a contract that clearly describes the accommodation and living conditions. If the employer offers the employee to rent accommodation, the contract must specify the cost of the lease and who will pay for it.

The conditions for accommodation are described in a separate agreement. In addition, the contract must specify the amount the employer offers the employee “for a living”. This amount is known as the “deductible amount.” 

Important: If the employer wants to deduct rent and subsistence costs from the employee’s salary, he must state this in the contract. In addition, these deductions must be highlighted on your payslip.

Source: Arbeitsagentur.de , Faire-mobilitaet.de