Get help with salary issues

Questioner

As of 1 February 2012, I started working 32 hours per 4 weeks, previously this was 40 hours with the same employer. As of 1 February, I received a new contract with a corresponding new salary. This contract was signed by both parties. However, on my first pay slip I see that much less has been paid than I expected. When asked, my employer says 'The contract states the salary for 36 hours, because this is the general basis for the salary scales because our collective labour agreement assumes 36 hours per week.' However, this is not stated anywhere in the contract! My employer also says: 'Perhaps it would have been clearer if the contract had stated the salary based on 32 hours.' However, I now receive €221.47 less per 4 weeks than I signed for. I think this is misleading and I wonder if I can do anything about it??

Lawyer

If you have already brought this up with your employer to no avail, I advise you to contact a lawyer who can write a letter to your employer. You can make an appointment at a legal aid office in your area.