Blue-collar or white-collar (unified statute)

Since the 2014 unified statute, blue-collar and white-collar workers have the same notice periods and the unpaid first sick day disappeared. Yet the distinction persists in joint committees, holiday pay arrangements and pay calculation (hourly versus monthly wage), among others.

What was equalised?

The two biggest differences disappeared in 2014: notice periods are now identical for both statutes, and the unpaid first sick day for blue-collar workers was abolished. The trial period also disappeared for everyone. For pre-2014 seniority, transitional two-step calculations apply.

What still differs?

Blue-collar and white-collar staff often fall under different joint committees with their own scales and premiums (in metal: JC 111 versus JC 209). Holiday pay runs through a holiday fund for blue-collar workers and through the employer for white-collar staff. Blue-collar workers are usually paid hourly, white-collar monthly, which affects how premiums and deductions are calculated. Guaranteed sick pay is also technically arranged differently, though the outcome has been aligned.

What do you notice in practice?

Mainly when growing: a technician (blue-collar) moving into work preparation or team leadership often becomes white-collar, with a different JC, monthly pay and different benefits. Compare the full package with such a move; our salary guide and role profiles help.