As the new year begins, it is a good time to look at key developments in German labor and employment law in 2019 and look ahead in 2020. With respect to 2019, corporate legal and human resources departments should be aware of new court rulings addressing fixed-term employment contracts, working time recording, the notorious two-week deadline for instant dismissals, and enhanced flexibility in drafting bonus clauses for board members.

In the coming year, there are several issues to be aware of, including a new minimum wage and anticipated changes concerning immigration law and whistleblower protections. Moreover, the German "Grand Coalition" still has a few reforms on the labor and employment law agenda.