Arbeitsrecht

Hello everyone,

I work for a marketing company (30 hour week) and much of the work is done in front of the computer. The company is in the process of expanding and my boss has now decided that it would be a good idea for some of us to work from home. I am by no means thrilled about this as it means an increase in the workload for the same pay, which is cutting the deadline even tighter than it is now.

My question is: can he do this, just like that? Can I refuse and say I want to stay in the office? There has been no mention about the provision of equipment, so we are expected to use our own. Is this right?

Have had a poke about in Arbeitsrecht on the internet, but so far found nothing particularly concrete about the situation.

Basically, can he transfer an employee from in the office to "Telearbeit" at home, without having the agreement of the employee? And if one refuses, what are the consequences (dare I ask !)

Thanks in advance.
Archie

ARCHIE!! Just think of the possibilities here!! Pajamas all day! No stupid office gossip! Never having to see those people you secretly can't stand (but must be nice to anyway)! The death of office politics! Never having to shower again!!! How is this a bad thing???

Well, looking at it from that angle ... after a few days at home not having showered the best connection would obviously only be via the internet!

Actually we haven't even been informed as to why a transfer is necessary, and as far as I am know, he has to talk to us about it first. Before I make any decisions I would like to know what my rights are and what the consequences would be should I refuse - Änderungsvertrag etc.

Course you can refuse Archie ... but line another job up first. Supply and demand Mate ... he demands, you supply. OK, seriously I think he cannot force you to do this, but if the rest of the staff fold in, then you are going to become suddenly famous, as the one who said " No ", and we all know what that means, don't we.!!!

Hey Raffles, mate! I think I already knew what the general answer would be! I have been informed that the move has to be beneficial to myself as well as the firm. The law sort of sits on the fence in this matter. If I am unable to carry out the task then he can issue me with an Änderungsvertrag and give me the sack, after which he has to advertise the then vacant position in its new form. This applies to positions within the company, not the actual place of work, and this is what I am wondering about.