EU court ruling may make some travel time count as work

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  The European Court of Justice ruled that travel to changing work sites can count as working time when workers are under their employer’s direction and cannot use the time freely.

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  The case involved workers at a Spanish landscaping company who travelled together from a fixed meeting point to changing sites.

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  The ruling interprets EU working-time rules but does not decide how much employers must pay for the travel.

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  The decision may affect workers in Germany, including those in construction, cleaning, landscaping and care services.

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  A worked example estimates that one painter could be short by about €400 a month at the current minimum wage, or about €428 a month from 2027.

Who

The European Court of Justice ruled on a case involving workers at a Spanish landscaping company.

What

It said travel can count as working time if workers are under the employer’s direction and cannot use the time freely. It did not decide the pay owed.

When

The ruling was issued on October 9, 2025.

Where

The case came from Spain; the interpretation is also relevant to courts in Germany.

Why

A Spanish court asked the European Court of Justice to clarify whether travel from a fixed meeting point to changing work sites counts as working time.

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