Public holidays

Austria recognises 13 statutory public holidays on which work is generally prohibited. These days are protected under Austrian labour law and include New Year's Day, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption of Mary, All Saints' Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, plus one additional regional or national observance depending on the state.

The regulation governing public holidays in Austria is embedded in the Arbeitsruhegesetz (Work Rest Act) and supported by guidance from the Arbeiterkammer (Austrian Workers' Chamber). The law establishes that employers must grant employees these days off without loss of pay. Work performed on a public holiday is generally prohibited, with limited exceptions for essential services, emergency work, and certain industries where operational continuity is necessary.

Employers seeking to schedule work on a public holiday must obtain explicit permission or demonstrate that their business falls within a statutory exemption. Where work does occur on a public holiday, employees are typically entitled to compensatory time off or premium pay, depending on the employment contract and collective bargaining agreements applicable to their sector.

Payroll teams must ensure that public holiday pay is calculated correctly and that employees receive appropriate compensation or time off in lieu. The specific treatment of public holiday remuneration may vary by industry and collective agreement, so employers should verify applicable sectoral rules. Accurate tracking of public holiday work and corresponding compensation is essential for compliance with Austrian labour standards and avoiding penalties from labour authorities.