Uzbekistan's labor laws establish a framework for regulating working hours, overtime, rest periods, and other aspects of employment to protect the rights and well-being of employees. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses operating in Uzbekistan to ensure compliance and maintain positive labor relations. The Labor Code outlines the standard work arrangements, overtime rules, and entitlements to rest, breaks, and special conditions for night and weekend work.
This guide provides an overview of the key provisions related to working hours and overtime in Uzbekistan as of 2025. It covers standard working hours, overtime regulations and compensation, rest periods and breaks, night shift and weekend work, and the obligations of employers to record working time.
Standard Working Hours
The standard working week in Uzbekistan is 40 hours. This typically translates to eight hours per day, five days a week.
- Daily Limit: Generally, the daily working time cannot exceed eight hours with a five-day workweek.
- Reduced Hours: For certain categories of workers, such as those under 18 years of age or those working in hazardous conditions, reduced working hours are mandated. For example, employees aged 16 to 18 are limited to a 36-hour workweek.
- Collective Agreements: Collective agreements or employment contracts may stipulate shorter working hours than the standard 40-hour week.
Overtime Regulations and Compensation
Overtime work is permitted only with the employee's consent, except in specific circumstances such as preventing accidents or natural disasters.
- Overtime Limits: Overtime work should not exceed 120 hours per year for each employee.
- Compensation: Overtime work must be compensated at a rate not less than double the employee's regular hourly rate.
- Record Keeping: Employers must keep accurate records of overtime worked by each employee.
| Overtime Category | Compensation Rate |
|---|---|
| First Two Hours | At least double the regular hourly rate |
| Subsequent Hours | At least double the regular hourly rate |
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees are entitled to rest periods during the workday and between workdays.
- Breaks: During the workday, employees must be provided with a break for rest and meals. This break should be at least 30 minutes and no more than two hours.
- Daily Rest: The duration of the daily rest (interval between the end of one working day and the start of the next) must be at least 12 hours.
- Weekly Rest: Employees are entitled to at least one day of rest per week, typically Sunday.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Specific regulations govern work performed during night shifts and on weekends.
- Night Shift: Night shift is defined as work performed between 10 PM and 6 AM. Employees working night shifts are entitled to a reduced working day (by one hour) and increased pay, as established by collective agreements or employment contracts.
- Weekend Work: Work on weekends is generally prohibited except in cases specified by law or collective agreement. If weekend work is necessary, it must be compensated at a rate not less than double the employee's regular daily or hourly rate, or the employee must be granted another day off.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Uzbekistan have a legal obligation to accurately record the working time of each employee.
- Time Sheets: Employers must maintain time sheets or other records that accurately reflect the hours worked by each employee, including regular hours, overtime hours, night shift hours, and weekend work.
- Accessibility: These records must be accessible to employees and labor inspectors.
- Retention: Records of working time must be retained for a specified period, as determined by applicable regulations.
- Compliance: Failure to accurately record working time can result in penalties and legal liabilities for employers.
