The difference between downtime and suspension of an employment contract

Idle time and suspension of an employment contract are two different legal mechanisms for responding to changed circumstances in an employment relationship:

1. Downtime:

• Causes: Technical or organizational problems, force majeure.
• Duration: There is no clearly defined duration.
• Initiative: Initiated only by the employer.
• Payment: Not less than two-thirds of the rate.
• Transfer: Transfer to another job is possible with the employee's consent.
• Length of service: The period of inactivity is included in the insurance period.

2. Suspension of an employment contract:

• Reasons: Military actions that prevent the provision of work and its performance.
• Duration: Only for the period of martial law.
• Initiative: Can be initiated by either the employer or the employee.
• Remuneration: No salary is paid.
• Transfer: Transferring an employee to another job is not allowed.
• Crediting of length of service: The period of suspension is not included in the insurance period.

Recommendations for selection:

• Suspension of an employment agreement is optimal when the employer and employee cannot fulfill their duties due to military operations.
• Downtime is best used in cases of temporary disruptions that are not related to long-term obstacles, such as martial law.