Holiday Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you are entitled to extra payments during your vacation time under collective bargaining agreements in Germany.
Holiday pay is an extra payment provided to workers to supplement their income while they are taking time off for vacation.
Who it's for
This benefit is specifically for employees who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement (known locally as a Tarifvertrag).
What you get
If you qualify, you receive an additional payment during your scheduled vacation period to help cover costs while you are away from work.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you to receive this benefit.
The catch to know
Unlike standard statutory vacation time, this extra holiday pay is not a legal requirement for every worker; it depends entirely on the specific agreements made between employers and unions in your industry.
How to apply
- Check your employment contract to see if it mentions a collective bargaining agreement.
- Review your pay statements to see if holiday pay is listed.
- Speak with your employer or a labor representative if you believe you are eligible but have not received it.