In Aruba, labor laws provide guidelines for standard working hours, which vary depending on the structure of the workweek. These guidelines are outlined in the Labor Contract Ordinance (Landsverordening Arbeidsovereenkomst).

For a five-day workweek, the standard working hours are capped at 42.5 hours per week, with a daily maximum of 8.5 hours. For a six-day workweek, the maximum allowable hours are 45 per week, not exceeding 8 hours per day. In the case of a four-day workweek, the weekly limit is set at 36 hours, with a daily maximum of 9 hours.

These limitations apply to "regular workers", defined as those adhering to a consistent office schedule. There are also exceptions outlined in Aruba's law. In specific circumstances, government authorization may extend the maximum working hours.

In Aruba, the Labor Contract Ordinance safeguards employee rights regarding overtime work, outlining the rules for compensation and limitations.

Overtime is defined as any work that exceeds an employee's standard workweek structure. The specific rates for overtime compensation vary depending on the day and time the overtime is worked.

For overtime performed outside standard working hours, employees receive a minimum of 150% of their regular hourly wage. Overtime work completed on Sundays, public holidays, or an employee's designated rest day requires a 200% premium on top of the regular hourly rate.

It's important to note that short periods of overtime (up to 15 minutes) are not typically counted as overtime and are rounded up to the nearest half hour if exceeding 15 minutes.

Aruba's regulations also establish limitations on the total amount of overtime permissible. The combined total of standard work hours and overtime cannot surpass 55 hours within a four-week reference period. Exceptions exist, where government authorization can extend the maximum working hours, including overtime, to 60 hours per week.

Aruban law also allows for alternative compensation arrangements beyond just financial remuneration. Employers and employees can agree on compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay. This translates to receiving 1.5 hours of paid time off for every hour of overtime worked.

Aruba's labor laws prioritize worker well-being by mandating designated rest periods and breaks throughout the workday. These entitlements are established in the Labor Contract Ordinance (Landsverordening Arbeidsovereenkomst).

Employees in Aruba are guaranteed a minimum daily rest period of at least 11 consecutive hours, inclusive of the timeframe between midnight and 6:00 am the following day. This ensures sufficient recovery time between work shifts.

Generally, employees are entitled to one designated rest day per week, with Sunday being the customary day off. Exceptions may occur based on industry-specific regulations or through collective bargaining agreements.

The law also mandates breaks for employees who work extended periods during a single shift. Workers who surpass six hours of work in a day are entitled to an unpaid break of at least 30 minutes after a maximum of five hours of continuous work.

It's important to note that breaks shorter than 15 minutes do not qualify as official breaks and are not deducted from working hours.

Employers hold the responsibility of structuring work schedules to incorporate the mandated rest periods and breaks. Additionally, employers cannot compel employees to work during their designated break time. Should an employee choose to work during their break period, those hours are considered overtime and must be compensated accordingly.

Aruba recognizes the potential challenges associated with night and weekend work, and has implemented specific regulations to ensure employee well-being and fair compensation. The Labor Contract Ordinance (Landsverordening Arbeidsovereenkomst) serves as the primary legal foundation for these regulations.

Night work is defined as any work performed for more than one hour within the timeframe of midnight and 6:00 am. Specific regulations apply to ensure worker protection during night shifts:

• Night shifts are limited to a maximum of 8 hours per shift.
• Employers must arrange schedules to limit an employee's night shifts to no more than 14 times within a four-week period.
• Following a night shift, employees are entitled to a minimum uninterrupted rest period of at least 12 hours if the shift ended before or at 2:00 am. This increases to 14 hours of uninterrupted rest if the night shift concluded after 2:00 am. A single exception allows for a reduced rest period of 8 hours within a seven-day timeframe, provided such reductions are not a regular occurrence.
• While the Labor Contract Ordinance doesn't mandate specific night shift premiums, collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts may include provisions for additional compensation for night work.

Weekend work generally refers to work performed on Sundays, the designated weekly rest day for most employees in Aruba. However, exceptions may exist based on specific industries or through collective bargaining agreements.

• When work is required on Sundays or an employee's designated rest day, overtime pay must be provided at a premium rate of at least 200% of the regular hourly wage.