Ryanair Cuts Vienna Operations

Info Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Which employment law applies to my contract?
If your home base is Vienna—that is, if your shifts begin and end in Austria (Vienna)—then Austrian law applies to your employment contract. Please note that your contract can include a choice of law provision and in that case the law of another country may apply. If your contract is governed by Austrian law the following information apply to your employment contract:

Can Ryanair force me to move my home base to another location?
Your employment contract is tied to the home base(s) stated in the agreement. If your home base is Vienna and your contract does not include a provision that allows Ryanair to transfer you to a different workplace, then a change of workplace requires your consent. In that case the company may offer a transfer, but you are not obliged to accept it (unless your contract states otherwise).

Can my employer terminate my contract?
Yes, Ryanair can give notice of termination, but only by observing the legal notice periods (see below) and any additional terms set out in your contract (or the applicable collective agreement). For employees with special protection against dismissal (e.g. parental leave, parents working part-time (Mutterschutzgesetz, Väterkarenzgesetz), legally recognized disabled employees (Behinderteneinstellungsgesetz)) special rules apply. 

Can I resign from my contract myself?
Yes. You can resign without giving a reason, provided you respect the notice periods and dates specified in your contract or the collective agreement. The minimum notice period is one month (or longer if agreed upon in the contract) and termination must take effect at the end of a calendar month (or another agreed date if permitted by contract/collective agreement).

What rights do I have if I am dismissed?

• Notice period: You are entitled to the correct notice period and end date. The minimum notice period by law (Angestelltengesetz) is 6 weeks and increases with length of service. Termination must take effect at the end of calendar quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31), unless the contract or collective agreement allows different dates.
• Severance (“Abfertigung”): You may be entitled to severance pay.
• Vacation/Overtime: Any unused vacation days or time credits must be paid out.
• Unemployment benefits: You are generally eligible for unemployment benefits from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) if you meet the conditions (residence (“Hauptwohnsitz”) in Austria among other criteria).
• Work certificate: confirming your employment, position and duration

Should I agree to a mutual termination (“einvernehmliche Auflösung”)?
Consider carefully if a mutual termination is beneficial for you and seek advice before signing!
If you are not obliged to change your home base to another location your employer is obliged to pay you until the termination takes effect after the end of the notice period (see above). By agreeing to a mutual termination you may lose your entitlement to payments during the notice period. A mutual termination can sometimes lead to a waiting period (“suspension”) before you receive unemployment benefits.