⚖️

Zákonník práce

Labor Code of Slovakia

What does “Zákonník práce” mean in Slovakia?

Zákonník práce (Labour Code) is the main law in Slovakia about work relations (law no. 311/2001 Coll.). It sets the rights and duties of an employee and an employer and is above every employment contract: conditions that go against it to the employee's disadvantage are invalid.

What it regulates

Employment contract (pracovná zmluva) and trial period (skúšobná doba).
Working hours, breaks, and holidays (dovolenka).
Termination: výpoveď (notice of termination), notice period (výpovedná lehota), severance pay (odstupné).
Minimum payment guarantees and work safety.

This is your main protection in a dispute with an employer: if something is not written in the contract, the rules of the Zákonník práce apply. Before signing a contract, check its conditions against the law, and in case of conflict, you can contact the inšpektorát práce (labour inspection office). The current text of the law is available for free online on the state portal slov-lex.sk, so you can check any rule yourself.

Important. A clause in an employment contract that gives the employee less than guaranteed by the Labor Code (Zákonník práce) is invalid. The law is always stronger than the contract, so do not agree to "worse" conditions thinking they are mandatory.

Examples of use

According to the Labor Code, I have a right to vacation.

According to the Labor Code, I have the right to a vacation.

The notice period comes from the Labour Code.

The notice period comes from the Labor Code.

The Labor Code protects the employee during termination.

The Labor Code protects an employee during dismissal.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Labor Code apply to foreigners?

Yes. If you are officially employed in Slovakia with an employment contract, the law protects you the same way as citizens, no matter your nationality.

What to do if your employer breaks the law?

First, try to solve it in writing with your employer. If this does not help, contact the labor inspectorate (inšpektorát práce) or seek legal advice; keep your contract and correspondence.

Is an agreement more important than the law?

No. The Labor Code has priority: contract terms that worsen the employee's situation against the law are invalid, even if you signed them.