Employment Law – Your Rights in the Workplace

Working life is shaped by rights, obligations, and often uncertainties. Whether it’s about termination, a written warning, unpaid wages, or drafting employment contracts – legal issues are diverse and require tailored solutions.

As a law firm with a special focus on employment law, we provide reliable support to both employees and employers. With clarity, commitment, and determination, we advise and represent you in all phases of the employment relationship – from initiation and execution to termination.

Employment Contract

The employment contract forms the legal foundation of every employment relationship. It defines the rights and obligations of both employer and employee in a binding manner. To avoid potential legal disputes later on, it is especially important that the contract complies with legal requirements and is clearly worded.

B.Y. Law Firm offers comprehensive review and drafting of your employment contract – whether you are an employee or an employer. This ensures that your interests are protected and that you are operating on a legally secure basis.

Termination

The termination of an employment relationship can represent a significant turning point for both employees and employers. Whether a termination is legally valid depends on numerous legal requirements. It must also be examined whether the Protection Against Unfair Dismissal Act (Kündigungsschutzgesetz, KSchG) applies. If the KSchG is applicable, the employee may file a claim for protection against dismissal (Kündigungsschutzklage) with the competent labor court within three weeks of receiving the notice of termination. Prompt action is therefore essential. B.Y. Law Firm will review the validity of your termination and represent you in dismissal protection proceedings. The firm also provides employers with comprehensive advice on the legally compliant planning and execution of terminations.

Termination

Termination Agreement

A termination agreement allows employers and employees to end an employment relationship by mutual consent. For employers, this form of termination is particularly attractive, as it avoids the need for formal dismissal – and thus eliminates the risk of a wrongful dismissal claim. However, for employees, a termination agreement can have disadvantages. In most cases, the Employment Agency imposes a waiting period before unemployment benefits begin. For this reason, legal review before signing is strongly recommended – regardless of whether you are an employer or an employee. B.Y. Law Firm will assess the legal consequences of the termination agreement and provide you with comprehensive advice on your available options.

Warning Letter

A warning letter is an important instrument in employment law that allows an employer to formally reprimand an employee for misconduct. It serves three central purposes: it informs the employee of the specific behavior being criticized (notice function), makes clear that repeated misconduct may lead to disciplinary consequences (warning function), and provides written proof that the employer has addressed and documented the issue (documentation function). B.Y. Law Firm will assess the legality of the warning letter and advise you on the possibility of having it removed from your personnel file.

Warning Letter

Wages

Wages are the employer’s compensation for the work performed by the employee. They are not only economically significant but also subject to comprehensive legal regulation. The statutory minimum wage must not be undercut. B.Y. Law Firm provides comprehensive advice on all matters related to wages – such as unpaid salary, wage reductions, or unclear contract terms. Your claims will be enforced – both out of court and in court, if necessary.

Vacation

The statutory vacation entitlement is a key element of the employment relationship. It serves the employee’s recovery and is governed by the Federal Vacation Act (Bundesurlaubsgesetz, BUrlG). In general, every employee is entitled to at least 24 days of paid annual leave per year based on a six-day workweek. In practice, many questions arise – for example, whether unused vacation carries over to the following year or to what extent vacation entitlement continues during illness. B.Y. Law Firm provides comprehensive advice to both employees and employers on all matters related to vacation rights.

Vacation

Employment Reference

Upon termination of an employment relationship, the employee is entitled under Section 109 of the German Trade Regulation Act (§ 109 GewO) to receive a written employment reference. The employment reference is an important foundation for future job applications and can significantly influence professional opportunities in the job market. B.Y. Law Firm reviews your employment reference for accuracy and proper form. If you are an employer, B.Y. Law Firm will gladly assist you in drafting a legally compliant and positive employment reference.

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Berna Yoleri, LL.M.
(Cologne/ Istanbul Bilgi)
Lawyer