Photo of Dr. Nadine Kramer

Dr. Nadine Kramer

Dr. Nadine Kramer is of counsel in Covington’s labor and employment law and executive compensation and employee benefits department. She has many years of experience in advising on labor law aspects with respect to M&A transactions, complex HR topics and reorganizations, especially with a focus on negotiations with works councils, and a corresponding networking within the law firm as well. Furthermore, she has a great experience in drafting of social plans, evaluating of pension liabilities and managing labor law-related proceedings, especially with regard to wrongful termination litigations at all levels of seniority and management participation programs.

Contact:Read more about Dr. Nadine KramerEmail

The German Federal Labor Court (Bundesarbeitsgericht – BAG) has issued two new decisions impacting virtual stock option plans (VSOPs).  In a March 19, 2025 decision (BAG, March 19, 2025 – 10 AZR 67/24), BAG ruled that virtual stock options (“phantom shares”) are not speculative options/opportunities, but rather part of the remuneration already earned and, therefore, forfeiture clauses in VSOPs are invalid.  The new decision is a reversal of the court’s prior position on these virtual shares.  In the other new decision, issued on March 27, 2025 (BAG, March 27, 2025 – 8 AZR 63/24), BAG ruled that phantom shares exercised while an employee is still employed have to be considered when calculating the compensation owed for the employee’s compliance with a post-contractual non-compete covenant.  Below is an overview of the new cases and steps employers can take to ensure their plans are in compliance.Continue Reading German Federal Labor Court Rules on Phantom Shares; What Employers Need to Know