Understanding Normal Hours of Work in Ethiopia: A Guide to Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019
Navigating the legal framework of Normal Hours of Work in Ethiopia is essential for both employers and employees. The Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019 sets forth clear standards for normal working hours, overtime, rest periods, and flexible work arrangements. This guide examines into these provisions, providing a comprehensive overview to ensure compliance and promote a fair working environment.
Normal Hours of Work in Ethiopia
According to Article 61 of the Ethiopian Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019, the standard working hours are limited to eight hours per day and forty-eight hours per week. This regulation applies universally, ensuring that employees are not overworked and employers maintain a balanced work schedule.
Legal Provision:
Article 61(1) – “Normal hours of work shall not exceed eight hours a day or forty-eight hours a week.”
Flexible Working Hours Arrangements
The Labour Proclamation allows for various flexible working arrangements to accommodate different operational needs and employee preferences. These arrangements must adhere to the maximum daily and weekly working hour limits.
1. Flexible Working Hours
Employers and employees can agree on flexible working hours that meet their mutual interests. This flexibility ensures that the total working hours do not exceed the legal limits.
Legal Provision:
Article 61(2) – “Notwithstanding the provision of sub-article (1) of this Article, where it is advantageous to the workers, the Ministry may issue directives to implement a modified arrangement of working hours.”
2. Compressed Workweek
A compressed workweek arrangement allows employees to work longer hours on certain days and shorter hours on others, provided the total weekly working hours do not exceed forty-eight hours.
Legal Provision:
Article 61(3) – “In enterprises with continuous work or where work is interrupted for strategic reasons, working hours may be arranged to exceed or be less than the daily or weekly limits, provided that the average number of working hours calculated over a period of time shall not exceed the normal working hours.”
3. Shift Work
Shift work enables continuous operation by dividing work into shifts. Employers must ensure that the total working hours within a day and week comply with the legal limits.
Legal Provision:
Article 63 – “An employer may arrange shift work, provided that the maximum daily and weekly working hours are observed.”
4. Reduced Working Hours
Certain employees, such as young workers, pregnant employees, or those engaged in hazardous work, are entitled to reduced working hours to safeguard their health and safety.
Legal Provisions:
Article 89(2) – “The normal hours of work of young workers shall not exceed seven hours a day.”
Article 87(4) – “A pregnant worker shall be entitled to a reduction of working hours as necessary and shall not be obliged to work overtime or night work during her pregnancy.”
Overtime Work Regulations
The Labour Proclamation regulates overtime work, requiring that any work beyond the normal hours be compensated at an enhanced rate. This ensures that employees are fairly remunerated for their additional efforts.
Legal Provisions:
Article 67(1) – “Work done in excess of the normal hours of work shall be deemed to be overtime.”
Article 67(2) – “The rate of payment for overtime work shall be 1.25 times the normal hourly rate for overtime worked on weekdays, and 1.5 times the normal hourly rate for work done on weekly rest days or public holidays.”
Mandatory Rest Periods
To promote employee well-being, the law mandates rest periods during and between workdays. These include daily breaks, weekly rest days, and public holidays.
Legal Provisions:
Article 64(1) – “An employee shall be entitled to a break of at least one hour during a working day.”
Article 64(2) – “An employee shall be entitled to a weekly rest period of at least twenty-four consecutive hours.”
Article 64(3) – “Employees shall be entitled to public holidays with pay as provided for by law.”
The Ethiopian Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019 provides a detailed framework for regulating working hours and their possible arrangements. Employers and employees must adhere to these legal provisions to ensure a fair and efficient working environment. By understanding and implementing these rules, both parties can promote compliance and enhance workplace productivity.
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