Know Your Rights
As a worker in Europe, you have legal protections. Learn what to do if your employer violates your rights — from unpaid wages to unsafe conditions.
- 12 common workplace scenarios with solutions
- Step-by-step guidance for each situation
- Where and how to report violations
- EU laws that protect you
Know Your Rights
As a worker in Europe, you have legal protections regardless of your nationality. Learn what they are and how to use them.
As a Worker in the EU, You Always Have the Right To:
These rights apply to all workers — including those on temporary permits, seasonal visas, and probation periods. Your immigration status does not remove your labor rights.
Common Workplace Situations
Click on a situation that matches yours to see what the law says and what steps you should take.
Every EU country has either a national minimum wage or sector-based minimum wages set by collective agreements. Your employer is legally required to pay at least the minimum wage for your country and sector. Paying below this is illegal regardless of your nationality or visa status.
What You Should Do
Check the current minimum wage for your country and sector (ask a trade union or check the government labor website).
Collect evidence: payslips, bank statements, work hours records, and your employment contract.
Contact your local trade union — they offer free advice and can negotiate on your behalf.
File a complaint with the national labor inspectorate. This can usually be done anonymously.
If your employer retaliates, this is also illegal. Document everything and seek legal help.
Where to Report
National labor inspectorate (Gewerbeaufsicht in Germany, PIP in Poland, ITL in Italy, DIRECCTE in France).
Legal Basis
EU Directive 2022/2041 on adequate minimum wages. Each country also has national minimum wage laws.
If you work more than the standard hours specified in your contract or by law, those extra hours are overtime and must be compensated. In most EU countries, overtime pay is 125-150% of your normal hourly rate, or compensated with time off.
What You Should Do
Keep your own record of all hours worked — write down start and end times every day.
Check your contract and the applicable collective agreement for overtime rates.
Raise the issue with your supervisor in writing (email or message) so there is a record.
Contact the labor inspectorate or a trade union if the issue is not resolved.
Where to Report
National labor inspectorate or trade union.
Legal Basis
EU Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) limits working time to 48 hours per week including overtime.
Employers may deduct for accommodation only if it is agreed in writing, the amount is reasonable, and the accommodation meets minimum standards. Deductions for work tools, uniforms, or safety equipment are generally illegal — the employer must provide these at their own cost.
What You Should Do
Review your employment contract for any deduction clauses.
Check if the deducted amount is reasonable compared to local rental prices.
If deductions reduce your pay below minimum wage, this is always illegal.
Complain to the labor inspectorate if deductions are unauthorized or excessive.
Where to Report
National labor inspectorate or trade union.
Legal Basis
National labor codes. EU Directive 96/71/EC on posted workers also applies.
You have the right to a safe workplace. Your employer must provide proper safety equipment, training, and maintain safe working conditions. If there is a serious and immediate danger, you have the right to stop working without losing pay.
What You Should Do
Report the safety concern to your supervisor in writing.
If ignored, contact the workplace safety representative or trade union.
Take photos or videos of unsafe conditions as evidence.
File a complaint with the occupational health and safety authority.
If in immediate danger, you can legally refuse to work until the hazard is fixed.
Where to Report
Occupational health and safety authority (BAuA in Germany, PIP in Poland, INAIL in Italy).
Legal Basis
EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC on workplace safety. Employer has duty to ensure safety.
All workplace accidents must be reported. Your employer is legally obligated to report accidents to the relevant authority and their insurance. Hiding accidents is a serious criminal offense. You are entitled to medical treatment, sick pay, and compensation.
What You Should Do
Seek medical treatment immediately. Go to a hospital if needed.
Tell the doctor it was a workplace accident — this activates workplace insurance.
Report the accident yourself to the labor inspectorate if your employer refuses.
Keep all medical records, receipts, and a written account of what happened.
Contact a trade union or lawyer specializing in labor law.
Where to Report
Labor inspectorate and workplace accident insurance (Berufsgenossenschaft in Germany, ZUS in Poland, INAIL in Italy).
Legal Basis
EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC. National workplace accident reporting laws.
This is ILLEGAL in every EU country and is considered a form of forced labor or human trafficking. No employer, agency, or person has the right to hold your passport or any identity document. This is a criminal offense.
What You Should Do
Do NOT confront your employer alone if you feel unsafe.
Call the police (112 in all EU countries) — passport confiscation is a crime.
Contact the Bangladesh Embassy immediately for emergency travel documents if needed.
Call the national anti-trafficking hotline for support and shelter.
Seek help from a trade union or migrant worker support organization.
Where to Report
Police (112), anti-trafficking hotline, Bangladesh Embassy.
Legal Basis
EU Anti-Trafficking Directive 2011/36/EU. Passport confiscation is a criminal offense in all EU countries.
Your employer cannot cancel your visa. Only immigration authorities can do this. Your employer may choose not to renew your work permit sponsorship, but threatening you with visa cancellation as retaliation for exercising your rights is illegal.
What You Should Do
Document the threats (save messages, record dates and witnesses).
Contact a trade union or legal aid organization for advice.
File a complaint with the labor inspectorate — they protect against retaliation.
Contact the immigration office to understand your options if you change employers.
In most countries, you have a grace period to find a new employer if your permit is employer-specific.
Where to Report
Labor inspectorate, trade union, immigration authority.
Legal Basis
EU Anti-Discrimination Directive. National labor laws protect against retaliation.
The EU Working Time Directive limits the average working week to 48 hours including overtime. You are entitled to at least 11 hours of rest between working days and at least 24 consecutive hours of rest per week. Forcing you to work without rest is illegal.
What You Should Do
Start keeping a written log of your actual working hours every day.
Inform your employer in writing that you are exceeding legal working hour limits.
Contact the labor inspectorate to file a complaint.
See a doctor if the overwork is affecting your health — get a medical certificate.
Where to Report
National labor inspectorate.
Legal Basis
EU Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC). Maximum 48 hours/week average, minimum 11 hours daily rest.
EU law prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. You have the right to equal treatment in pay, working conditions, promotions, and termination. Discrimination by employers, colleagues, or clients is illegal.
What You Should Do
Document every incident: dates, what was said or done, witnesses present.
Report the discrimination to your employer or HR department in writing.
Contact the national equality body or anti-discrimination office.
File a complaint with the labor inspectorate or court if needed.
Trade unions and NGOs can provide free legal support for discrimination cases.
Where to Report
National equality body (Antidiskriminierungsstelle in Germany, Defenseur des droits in France, UNAR in Italy).
Legal Basis
EU Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) and Employment Equality Directive (2000/78/EC).
In most EU countries, employers must give written notice before termination and provide a valid reason. The notice period depends on your contract and how long you have worked. Summary dismissal (immediate firing) is only legal for serious misconduct. Unfair dismissal can be challenged in labor court.
What You Should Do
Request the reason for termination in writing from your employer.
Check your employment contract for the notice period and termination clauses.
Contact a trade union or labor lawyer immediately — there are strict deadlines to challenge dismissal.
Register as unemployed at the employment office to access benefits and job search support.
Keep copies of your contract, payslips, and any communication about the termination.
Where to Report
Labor court (Arbeitsgericht in Germany, Conseil de Prud'hommes in France). Trade unions can represent you.
Legal Basis
National employment protection laws. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights Article 30 (protection against unjustified dismissal).
In an Emergency
If you are in immediate danger, being physically threatened, or your documents have been confiscated:
Emergency (All EU)
112
Anti-Trafficking
116 006
Bangladesh (MOEWOE)
16355
Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting yourself. Save this page and share it with fellow workers. If something feels wrong, it probably is — seek help early.