Social Committee Decided on New Rules for Freelance Workers

With the law, which is set to come into effect at the beginning of 2026, minimum standards and notice periods for employee-like freelance work relationships will be introduced for the first time. At the same time, the conclusion of collective agreements for this group will be made possible.

The notice period will in the future be four weeks, and after two years of service, six weeks. The first month is considered a probationary period. Termination is possible on the 15th or at the end of the month, and more favorable regulations for employees are permissible. An amendment was added to ensure that freelance workers must be informed about applicable standards such as collective agreements or minimum wage rates.

The scope of the Labor Constitution Act will be expanded so that in the future, associations of freelance workers can also be capable of collective bargaining. This should make it possible to conclude their own collective agreements for this group or to include them in existing contracts. There is no obligation to do so.

Broad Approval in the Committee

Labor Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) spoke of important protection for freelance workers. Cases like the delivery service Lieferando, where 1,000 employees were terminated and rehired as freelance workers, are not "something we can want in Austria." SPÖ, ÖVP, Greens, FPÖ, and NEOS supported the initiative.

With the votes of the coalition, opposition motions regarding the inclusion of freelance workers in works councils, the EU directive for platform work, and stricter laws against shell companies were postponed.

(APA/Red)

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