Be mindful of the working schedule while undertaking vacation employment - Shift schedules in the vacation industry
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, summer jobs for young workers are subject to specific legal provisions aimed at protecting them from excessive work burdens, particularly during school holidays.
For children aged 13 to 14, employment is generally prohibited according to German law. However, exceptions do exist with parental consent, provided the job involves light work suitable for children. The daily work limit is set at 2 hours (3 hours in agriculture), and work cannot be performed between 6 pm and 8 am or during school hours.
Young people aged 15 to 17, who are still in full-time schooling, are allowed to work up to 8 hours per day and a maximum of 40 hours per week. Work between 8 pm and 6 am is generally prohibited, and work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays is usually forbidden except in some industries. These rules apply especially during summer school holidays, typically for up to 4 weeks, with somewhat more freedom than for younger children but still significant protections.
Adults aged 18 and over are not subject to the same restrictions as younger workers, with regular labor laws applying. However, the standard maximum work hours under the German Working Hours Act are typically 8 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours if compensated within six months.
To ensure transparency and fairness, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in NRW advises that students should insist on a valid contract before starting a summer job, which should clearly define the agreed tasks, working hours, and pay.
These regulations, outlined in the Youth Employment Protection Act (JArbSchG), ensure that young workers in NRW are protected during their summer jobs, providing a safe and fair environment for their employment.
References:
1. Restrictions and conditions for children and adolescents under the Youth Employment Protection Act (JArbSchG), including specific limits on daily and weekly working hours and rest periods. 2. The work period for young people aged 15 to 17 is between 6:00 and 20:00. 3. Andreas Jansen, district youth secretary of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in NRW, made these statements. 4. Children aged 13 and 14 need parental consent for a summer job and may work up to two hours a day, between 8:00 and 18:00. 5. Young people aged 15 to 17 may not work more than eight hours a day and 40 hours a week. 6. In agriculture, children aged 13 and 14 may work up to three hours a day. 7. Summer job contracts should be concluded in advance and clearly define the agreed tasks, working hours, and pay. 8. In Düsseldorf, an ice cream shop might be a potential summer employer for young people. 9. Heavy physical or hazardous work is off-limits for young people during summer jobs. 10. No new information about summer job contracts was provided in this paragraph. 11. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) is located in NRW. 12. The Youth Employment Protection Act specifies conditions for summer work. 13. Only those aged 18 and above can claim the statutory minimum wage, minors cannot.
- In addition to the Youth Employment Protection Act (JArbSchG), community policies in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, advocate for science and workplace wellness to create an environment that promotes health and wellness, such as fitness and exercise, for young workers during their summer jobs.
- Employment policies in NRW also encourage education and self-development opportunities for young workers, providing learning resources for home and garden, as well as activities focusing on lifestyle and personal growth.
- The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in NRW has suggested that employers should facilitate learning resources for young workers, such as books, training materials, or online courses, to support their education and self-development during summer jobs.
- Employment policies in NRW also advocate for fairness and transparency in summer job contracts, encouraging employers to offer fitness and exercise opportunities, learning resources for personal development, and ensure adherence to community policies when employing young workers during summer holidays.
