FAQs
-
What does working without papers mean?
0:00/Some people call it “moonlighting” (“Schwarzarbeit”) or “sleuthing” (“Pfusch“). At UNDOK, we call it: working without papers or undocumented work. For example: If you are working without the proper documents, or are unsure about whether you are working without the proper documents, you can seek advice from UNDOK: free of charge, anonymously and in your…
I’m working without papers. What do I have to take note of?
0:00/Here are some examples: However: if you work without papers, your rights are often not respected. If you have problems at work, it’s important to write everything down and collect evidence. This is very important if you do not have a written employment contract. Come to us at the UNDOK Drop-in Center: you can get…
Will I be penalized if I work without papers?
0:00/However: you can be blocked by the AMS (Public Employment Service Austria). For example, for unemployment benefit or for a work permit at later date. There can also be negative consequences for your basic services (Grundversorgung) or your residence. It is important for you to be well informed. So come to UNDOK for advice! We’ll…
I come from a country that isn’t in the EU. What can I work as?
0:00/I’m a recognised refugee. / I have a displaced persons’ pass (blue card). As a recognised refugee or person granted asylum, you have free access to the labor market. That means: you can do any job you like and don’t need a work permit. You can also do an apprenticeship or a course of study.…
I come from an EU/EEA country. What can I work as?
0:00/What labor rights do I have?
0:00/Your rights include, for example:
What is a minimum wage?
0:00/When can I get advice? Where can I find you?
0:00/You can visit us in person every Monday 9am – 12pm and every Wednesday 3pm – 6pm. No appointment needed! ÖGB/Catamaran Building, Ground Floor, Johann-Böhm-Platz 1, 1020 Vienna (U2 Donaumarina) You can also call us or write us an email: +43 (0)1 534 44–39040 beratung@undok.at You can also write to us via the contact form.
What happens in the UNDOK consultation?
0:00/Our counsellors will talk to you about your options for asserting your rights. For example, if you don’t get paid or don’t have health insurance. You can collect evidence for your work yourself and take it with you to the counselling session. We’ll look at it carefully to see what it means for your residence…
What happens to the information I provide?
0:00/I am not in Vienna. / I no longer work or live in Austria. Can you still provide me with advice?
0:00/What is “holiday pay” and the “Christmas bonus”?
0:00/Who can visit the UNDOK Drop-in center?
0:00/You are not alone! Come to us at the UNDOK Drop-in center. We will discuss your situation and see how you can get your rights. We will also look at what this means for your stay.
What are overtime and holiday pay supplements (Überstundenzuschläge, Zuschläge für Feiertage)?
0:00/What problems can I discuss with the UNDOK Drop-in center?
0:00/I haven’t received my (full) pay. The following apply to most jobs: Your boss must pay you the minimum wage. The minimum wage is the lowest pay allowed. The minimum wage varies depending on your job and what you do. In addition to your wage, you’ll usually also get a 13th and 14th month of…
What breaks and rest periods apply to me?
0:00/However: this cannot be your normal working hours. That means: you shouldn’t always work so many hours. After 6 hours of work, you must have a break of at least 30 minutes. Once a week, you must have a break of 36 hours. In most industries (for example on construction sites, in cleaning, gastronomy, etc.),…
How do I get social security?
0:00/Important: Just because you are registered with the social security office does not mean you have a work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung). Your employer must apply for your work permit separately!
What happens if I complain about my boss?
0:00/We will also look at what it means for your residence in Austria if, for example, you take your pay complaint to court. We take time for you and your problems. We do not work with the police, immigration authorities or your boss!
What does “safety at work” mean?
0:00/Important: People without residence papers or health insurance can access anonymous and free outpatient clinics, medical support and healthcare.
Is UNDOK a government authority or institution?
0:00/We do not work with the police or the immigration authorities. That means: we do not pass on any information about your residence permit. Neither do we work with your employer.
What is a notice period?
0:00/Important: Termination (Kündigung) and dismissal (Entlassung) are not the same! Dismissal without notice is possible. For example, if you have made a serious mistake at work.
What is my boss not allowed to do?
0:00/For example:
How can I demand my labor rights?
0:00/Important: Write down or photograph everything Collect evidence Act quickly If you have not received your wages or have not received them in full, you need to do something about it quickly. You only have a short time to claim the money. Often it is only three months. This period is called the expiry period…
Who else can help me?
0:00/We recommend the contacts shown below for the following topics: Residency/asylum: Asyl in Not Caritas Wien Asylzentrum (Caritas Wien Asylum Centre) Caritas Wien Fremdenrechtsberatung (Caritas Wien Asylum Legal Advice) Deserteurs- und Flüchtlingsberatung (Counsellors for Deserters and Refugees) Ehe ohne Grenzen (Marriage without borders) Helping Hands Queer Base Recognition of qualifications: Beratungszentrum für Migranten und Migrantinnen…