Accrual date for default interest on outstanding salary claims: Interest runs from the first day after the end of the month

The Bundesarbeitsgericht reversed the labor court of appeal and, in part, remanded the case, ruling that the employee plaintiff prevails on the claim for unpaid wages and interest. The dispute concerned the calculation of default interest on an outstanding salary claim, specifically the accrual date for interest in June 2023. The court determined that interest for that month was payable from July 18, 2023, rather than the later date proposed by the defendant. The appellate court’s judgment was vacated to align with this specific interest calculation, while the lower court’s substantive award of the wage claim remained effectively upheld. The decision is grounded in general civil law principles regarding the onset of default interest (Verzug) and statutory claims for monetary debts under German labor and civil procedure law.