In Chad, the labor law establishes a framework for standard working hours, aiming to provide a balanced work-life experience for employees.

The legal maximum for a standard workweek is 40 hours. This is outlined in Article 194 of the Labor Law (Code du Travail).

The Labor Code offers employers flexibility in distributing the 40-hour weekly limit across the workweek. This is established by Decree No. 57/PR-MTJS-DTMOPS (Decret Fixant les Modalités d'Application de la Durée du Travail). There are two modalities:

1. Standard Day: A limitation of 8 hours per day, spread across five working days.
2. Reduced Daily Hours: A limitation of 6 hours and 40 minutes per working day, allowing for a potential total workweek of less than 40 hours.

While these modalities offer flexibility, the maximum daily working time cannot exceed 8 hours according to Article 2 of the aforementioned Decree. The specific chosen modality for distributing working hours should be documented and communicated to employees.

In Chad, the labor law provides clear guidelines and compensation for overtime work, ensuring that employees who work beyond the standard hours are treated fairly.

Overtime is considered any work performed beyond the legal working hours defined in your chosen modality, whether it's a standard 8-hour day or a reduced 6 hour 40-minute day. This is according to Article 194 of the Labor Law.

It's important to note that employers cannot force employees to work overtime. Employee consent is required for overtime work, as stipulated by Article 194 of the Labor Law.

Compensation for overtime work must be at a premium rate. There's a 10% surcharge for the first eight overtime hours, as per Article 195 of the Labor Law. Beyond the 8th hour of overtime, there's a 25% increase, also according to Article 195 of the Labor Law.

While the Labor Law doesn't specify separate rates, some collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts may address higher premiums for overtime. There's also a yearly maximum limit on overtime work. An employee cannot work more than 94 overtime hours in a year, as per Article 197 of the Labor Law.

Chadian labor law prioritizes worker well-being by mandating rest periods and breaks throughout the workday and workweek.

Daily Rest Break

The Labor Code (Code du Travail) doesn't explicitly mandate a set duration for daily rest breaks. However, employers have a responsibility to ensure worker health and safety. In practice, many employers provide short breaks in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon, though the specific details are likely documented within individual employment contracts or company policies.

Weekly Rest Day

All employees are entitled to a compulsory weekly rest period of at least 24 consecutive hours according to Article 202 of the Labor Law (Code du Travail). This rest period is crucial for recovery and prevents burnout.

Sunday as the Weekly Rest Day

While the Labor Code doesn't specify the day of the week for the mandated rest period, Sundays are typically observed as the weekly rest day in Chad.

Important to Note

The Labor Authority may provide procedures for exceptions to the Sunday rest day, particularly for specific industries or under special circumstances, as mentioned in Article 202.

By understanding these entitlements, employees are empowered to request and enjoy designated rest periods, promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Chadian labor law recognizes the unique demands of night and weekend work. Although there are no specific regulations exclusively for night shifts, there are several relevant legal points regarding these schedules:

Night Shift Work:

The Labor Code (Code du Travail) does not define "night shift" or establish separate regulations for night work. However, some collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts may address night shift work, including specific working hours for night shifts and potential night shift premiums in addition to standard rates.

Weekend Work:

Overtime work performed on Sundays and public holidays is subject to a higher premium rate. There is a 50% increase for overtime hours on Sundays and public holidays.

Important Considerations:

The mandated weekly rest period can coincide with a weekend day, typically Sunday. In cases where weekend work is required, employers should ensure compliance with overtime regulations and consider including compensation details within employment contracts or company policies.

Understanding these considerations empowers both employers and employees to approach night and weekend work arrangements with clarity and fairness.