Fixed-term employment relationship
A fixed-term employment relationship means that you have been promised work only until a certain date. The employment contract states the end date of a fixed-term employment contract.
A fixed-term employment contract can only be made at the employer’s initiative for a justified reason. Justified reasons may include the following:
- You are a substitute for a permanent employee.
- You are a seasonal worker, for example, at a ski resort or as a berry picker.
- You are a summer employee or a Christmas assistant.
- You are in in-the-job training.
- You have asked for a fixed-term job.
- The job is a project to be carried out within a specific period of time.
- You are studying under an apprenticeship contract.
However, a long-term unemployed person, that is, a person who has been unemployed for at least a year may be hired for a fixed-term employment relationship without a justified reason.
If the employer needs you constantly, a permanent employment contract must be made of the employment relationship. No fixed-term employment contract may be concluded without a justified reason. If there has been no justified reason for using a fixed-term employment contract, the employment contract must be considered to be valid for an indefinite period in accordance with the law.
If you feel that your work is for a fixed term without a justified reason, ask the shop steward at your workplace or your trade union about the matter.