About Andrea von Zelewski
Following her legal training, Andrea worked as a presiding judge at the labour court for six years. During this time, she delivered seminars to works councils and chaired the conciliation committee.
She has lived in Cape Town since 1997, where she completed her Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Stellenbosch. She then taught labour law at the University of the Western Cape (Cape Town) for ten years. For the past twelve years, she has worked remotely as a research assistant for a German law firm that specialises in labour law and exclusively represents employees and works councils.
Latest Articles
Transfer company and severance pay: background and tips before you move
Job termination
In cases of retrenchments, German law offers a transition solution to delay the unemployment for the employees, the so called…
Can your employer dismiss you during rehabilitation in Germany?
Job termination
Many employees believe that they cannot be dismissed while they are on a rehabilitation programme (Reha or Kur). That is…
Working time under the German Working Time Act: what counts as work?
Employment contract
When does working time actually starts and ends? Is it working time, when you have to change into special work…
Voluntary redundancy programme: the smart route to a fair severance pay?
Severance Pay
Voluntary redundancy programmes (Freiwilligenprogramm) can be a real alternative to dismissals while a company is reducing jobs. They offer many…
Dismissal during the probationary period in Germany
Job termination
The probationary period (Probezeit) gives both employer and employee a chance to work out whether they can work together well…
Termination of an apprenticeship in Germany: rights, deadlines and tips
Job termination
Termination of an apprenticeship follows different rules than those in a standard employment relationship. The Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz, BBiG)…
Conciliation hearing at the labour court in Germany: procedure, tips and what to expect
Job termination
Once an employee has filed a claim at the Labour Court (Arbeitsgericht), they will receive a summons to a conciliation…
Transfers to another workplace in Germany: your rights and how to push back
Employment contract
Sometimes employers in Germany transfer employee’s to different workplaces or change working duties by unilateral instructions. Such a unilateral change…
Protection of works councils in Germany by restrictions to the right of dismissal
Job termination
Members of the works council (Betriebsrat) must be free and independent in doing their work. Therefore the employer may not…
When can an employer dismiss for alcohol consumption in Germany?
Job termination
A dismissal related to alcohol consumption is subject to strict requirements. Alcohol consumption or alcohol abuse can justify a dismissal…










