The regulations on protection against dismissal should give stability and security to the employment relationship. If all conditions for termination have been complied with in all points, the termination is considered effective.

Lawsuit against unfair dismissal

The employee may file complaint against unfair dismissal at the German Labour Court (Arbeitsgericht in German).

If the employee asserts that a termination is socially unjustified or is legally ineffective for other reasons, he has the chance to file a lawsuit within three weeks after the receipt of the written notice of dismissal.

In the event of dismissal for variation of the contract, legal action shall be taken in order to ascertain that the change in terms of employment is socially unjustified or legally ineffective for other reasons.

If the employee has lodged an objection with the works council, he shall enclose the statement of the works council to the lawsuit documentation.

Insofar, as the termination requires the approval of an authority, the appeal-period for bringing the matter to the Labour Court is not initiated until the decision of the authority has been notified to the employee.

Dismissal for variation of contract 

If the employer terminates the contract and offers the employee a variation of their employment relationship, the employee has the option to accept this offer and understand that the dismissal is actually not socially unjustified. This reservation must be declared by the employer to the employee within the period of notice, at the latest within three weeks after receipt of the notice of dismissal.

Termination – opposition proceeding

If the employee considers the dismissal to be socially unjustified, he may lodge an objection at the works council within one week after his dismissal. If the works council considers the appeal to be justified, he has to try to reach an agreement with the employer. It shall communicate its opinion on the objection in writing to the employee and the employer upon request.


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