Working time

These rules apply to all citizens and entrepreneurs from EU member states in Austria.

Working time is the time from the start to the end of work. Daily working time is the working time within a consecutive 24-hour period. Weekly working time is the working time from Monday to Sunday.

Working time also includes standby duty, the time between two places of work (there are exceptions) and the travel time on business trips. However, special rules exist for business trips. Various types of inability to attend work for personal reasons are also considered working time.

Working time does not include breaks (with exceptions) and the time between the place of residence and the place of work (commute).

The Arbeitszeitgesetz and the Arbeitsruhegesetz primarily regulate the following areas for the majority of employees:

• Normal working time
• Overtime and maximum working time
• Breaks
• Daily rest period
• Weekly rest period and rest on public holidays
• Working time records

Most employment relationships with the federal government as well as with the states, municipalities and local government associations, teachers and educators at educational establishments and certain management posts are exempt from these rules.

Different or additional rules are provided for the following groups:

• Young people
• Caretakers
• Drivers of motor vehicles
• Employees of railway, tram, shipping and aviation undertakings
• Certain pharmacy employees
• Agriculture and forestry employees
• Employees in bakery product enterprises
• Housekeepers and domestic workers
• Certain hospital employees

Further links

Working time (→ EURES)