Littler Global Guide - Hungary - Q2 2017

Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

Farewell to a Public Holiday

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Zoltán Csernus, Partner — VJT & Partners

As of January 1, 2017, the Day of the Civil Servants ceased from being a public holiday in Hungary. Historically, this holiday was celebrated on July 1. However, the municipalities still have the right to declare locally July 1 as a public holiday for their own civil servants.

Mr. Stamp and His Employee

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Author: Zoltán Csernus, Partner — VJT & Partners

The Hungarian Supreme Court recently held that if the employer and the employee terminate their contract by mutual agreement, the employer may use its signature stamp on the written agreement instead of real signatures of the employer’s signatories. It means that the employment documents are valid even if such documents are stamped by a signature stamp.

The Misconduct and Its Award

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Author: Zoltán Csernus, Partner — VJT & Partners

The Hungarian Supreme Court has decided that it is not unlawful for parties to agree on the payment of a specified amount for the termination of their employment relationship (irrespective of the amount and the entitlement). But if the termination of employment was with immediate effect due to the employee’s gross misconduct, such agreement would conflict with good morals and, therefore, the payment would be deemed invalid. EH 2017.03.M3 (Hungarian Supreme Court’s Decision)

Referendum: Christmas Eve to Become a Public Holiday

Proposed Bill or Initiative

Author: Zoltán Csernus, Partner — VJT & Partners

December 24 may become a public holiday in Hungary. The Hungarian Election Committee has verified the proposed question for referendum whether December 24 should be a public holiday. If there is no appeal against the decision until June 21, 2017 (deadline for appeal), the applicant will have four months to collect the necessary amount of signatures of Hungarian citizens. If the applicant meets the deadline, the Election Committee will announce the referendum about the new public holiday. Hungary has currently 11 public holidays per year.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.