Guide to Working Hours, Rest Days, and Public Holidays in Ethiopia

Guide to Working Hours, Rest Days, and Public Holidays in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, labor laws are designed to create a balanced and fair working environment, encompassing Working Hours, Rest Days, and Public Holidays, for all employees. This article explores the critical aspects of the labor proclamation concerning Working Hours, Rest Days, and Public Holidays, overtime. Understanding these provisions is essential for both employers and employees to ensure compliance.

HOURS OF WORK

Normal Hours of Work

According to the Ethiopian labor proclamation, “normal hours of work” refers to the time during which a worker actually performs or avails themselves for work in accordance with the law, collective agreement, or work rules. The standard working hours are set at a maximum of 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week.

Reduction and Arrangement of Hours

The Ministry of Labor may issue directives to reduce the normal hours of work for specific sectors or occupations under special conditions without reducing workers’ wages. Furthermore, working hours should generally be spread equally over the week. However, adjustments can be made to distribute the hours differently, if necessary, without exceeding 10 hours in a single day.

Averaging and Exclusion

In certain situations where work cannot be evenly distributed within a week, normal hours may be averaged over a longer period, ensuring that the average does not exceed 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. These provisions do not apply to commercial travelers or representatives unless stated in a collective agreement or employment contract.

OVERTIME WORK

Overtime work is defined as any work done beyond the normal daily hours fixed by the proclamation. Overtime is permissible only under specific circumstances, such as accidents, force majeure, urgent tasks, or substitution for absent workers.

Overtime Compensation

Workers are entitled to additional pay for overtime, calculated as follows:

1. 1.5 times the ordinary hourly rate for work done between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
2. 1.75 times the ordinary hourly rate for night work between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
3. 2 times the ordinary hourly rate for work on weekly rest days
4. 2.5 times the ordinary hourly rate for work on public holidays.

WEEKLY REST

General Provisions

Employees are entitled to a weekly rest period of at least 24 uninterrupted hours within every seven-day period. Ideally, this rest day should fall on a Sunday and be granted simultaneously to all workers.

Special Weekly Rest Days

If the nature of the work does not allow for rest on Sundays, another day may be designated as the weekly rest day. Certain essential services and continuous operations may require work on rest days under specific conditions such as accidents, force majeure, or urgent tasks.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Paid Public Holidays

Public holidays recognized by the Proclamation to Determine Public Holidays and Celebration of Public Holiday Proclamation Number 1334/2024, are paid holidays. Monthly-paid workers do not face wage reductions for not working on public holidays.

Compensation for Working on Public Holidays

Workers who work on public holidays are entitled to double their hourly wage for each hour worked. If a public holiday coincides with another holiday or a rest day, only one holiday payment is applicable.

Understanding Ethiopia’s labor laws regarding working hours, rest days, and public holidays is crucial for maintaining fair labor practices. Employers must adhere to these regulations to ensure compliance. By doing so, they contribute to a balanced and productive work environment, fostering mutual respect and legal conformity.

If you have questions or comments or need representation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.