In Nicaragua, the labor law provides a framework for standard working hours. The Nicaraguan Ministry of Labor (Ministerio del Trabajo, Nicaragua) outlines the maximum working hours in the country. There are three categories to consider:

• Daytime Work: The standard work week is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. This applies to work performed between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm.
• Mixed Work: This category encompasses work schedules that include both daytime and nighttime hours. The maximum weekly limit is 45 hours, with a daily limit of 7.5 hours.

These regulations ensure that employees have a balanced work schedule and are not overworked.

In Nicaragua, labor law ensures fair compensation for employees who work beyond their standard hours. The rules and compensation for overtime work are as follows:

Limits on Overtime

• The maximum daily overtime cannot exceed 3 hours per day.
• The total overtime worked in a week cannot surpass 9 hours.

There are exceptions to these limits in specific situations:

• Overtime limitations are lifted to address emergencies like catastrophes, accidents that threaten production, or urgent repairs to machinery that endanger workers' safety.

Overtime Compensation

• Overtime work is compensated at a rate of 200% of the employee's regular wage for every hour exceeding the 48-hour weekly limit.

Nicaraguan labor law guarantees rest periods and breaks for workers, ensuring they have time to recuperate during the workday and throughout the week.

Nicaraguan workers are entitled to a 30-minute rest break during a workday. This break is considered working time, meaning employees are still compensated for it.

After six consecutive days of work, employees are entitled to one day of weekly rest with full pay. This means they receive a full day's wages even though they are not working.

Employers and workers can agree to extend daily working hours by a maximum of two hours to allow for an additional day or partial day of weekly rest.

In Nicaragua, the labor law has specific regulations for night and weekend work.

For night shift work, the law doesn't provide a specific time frame for "night shift." However, it defines work performed between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. as subject to special regulations. Night shifts cannot exceed 7 hours per day, which is a one-hour reduction compared to the standard workday. Night shift work requires a wage increase. The specific amount isn't mandated by law, but it should be established through collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts.

As for weekend work, which refers to work performed on Saturdays and Sundays, it is generally discouraged. The law prioritizes rest and recreation for workers during these days. However, weekend work is permitted in certain industries or for specific activities deemed essential by the Ministry of Labor. Weekend work mandates a wage increase. Similar to night shifts, the specific amount is determined through collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts but should be higher than the regular wage.