Uzbekistan's labor legislation establishes clear guidelines regarding working hours, rest periods, and overtime to ensure fair treatment and protect employee well-being. Employers operating in the country must adhere strictly to these regulations to maintain compliance and avoid potential legal issues.
Understanding and implementing these rules correctly is essential for managing a workforce in Uzbekistan, whether you are establishing a local entity or employing individuals remotely through an Employer of Record. Compliance covers everything from setting standard work schedules to calculating and compensating overtime appropriately.
Standard Working Hours and Workweek Structure
The standard working week in Uzbekistan is set at a maximum of 40 hours. For employees working a typical five-day workweek, this generally translates to an eight-hour workday. However, the law also provides for reduced working hours for certain categories of employees, such as those under 18 years of age or those working in hazardous conditions.
The most common workweek structure is five days with two rest days, usually Saturday and Sunday. A six-day workweek is also permissible, provided the total weekly hours do not exceed 40, resulting in shorter daily hours.
| Workweek Structure | Maximum Weekly Hours | Typical Daily Hours (5-day week) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 40 hours | 8 hours |
| Reduced | Varies by category | Varies by category |
Overtime Regulations and Compensation Requirements
Overtime work is defined as work performed by an employee at the employer's initiative beyond the established duration of working time, daily work (shift), and processing of working time. Overtime is generally permitted only with the employee's consent, except in specific circumstances defined by law (e.g., preventing accidents, performing urgent work).
There are limits on the amount of overtime an employee can work. The total duration of overtime work should not exceed 12 hours per week and 120 hours per year for each employee.
Overtime work must be compensated at an increased rate. The minimum rate for overtime compensation is double the employee's standard hourly rate. This increased rate applies to all hours worked beyond the standard schedule.
| Type of Work | Minimum Compensation Rate |
|---|---|
| Overtime Work | Double the standard rate |
| Work on Holidays | Double the standard rate |
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees in Uzbekistan are entitled to various rest periods throughout their workday and workweek.
- Breaks during the workday: Employees are entitled to a break for rest and meals during the working day. This break should last at least 30 minutes and no more than two hours. It is not included in working time and employees can use it at their discretion. The specific timing of this break is usually established by internal labor rules or the employment contract.
- Daily rest: The duration of daily rest between the end of work and its beginning the next day (shift) must be at least double the duration of work in the previous day (shift), including the lunch break.
- Weekly rest: Employees are entitled to uninterrupted weekly rest. For a five-day workweek, this is typically two days. For a six-day workweek, it is usually one day. The duration of weekly uninterrupted rest should not be less than 42 hours.
Night Shift and Weekend Work Regulations
Night time is defined as the period from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Working during night hours may be subject to specific regulations and potentially increased compensation, although the standard overtime rate of double pay often covers work performed during these hours if it constitutes overtime. Certain categories of employees, such as pregnant women, women with children under a certain age, and individuals under 18, are generally prohibited from working at night or require their explicit consent.
Work on weekends (rest days) and public holidays is generally prohibited, except in cases specified by law or collective agreement. If an employee is required to work on a rest day or public holiday, this work must be compensated at a rate of no less than double the standard rate, or the employer may provide another day of rest in lieu of increased payment, if agreed upon with the employee.
Working Time Recording Obligations for Employers
Employers in Uzbekistan have a legal obligation to accurately record the working time of every employee. This includes recording the start and end times of work, as well as any overtime hours worked.
Maintaining precise records is crucial for ensuring compliance with maximum working hour limits, correctly calculating wages, including overtime pay, and demonstrating adherence to labor laws during inspections. These records should be accessible and maintained in a format that allows for verification. Failure to keep accurate working time records can result in penalties for the employer.
