Chile tests new hour format for workers: understand how “40 hour law” works

Photo: Reproduction/LIT-QI.

The law that gradually reduces working hours from 45 to 40 hours per week came into force in Chile this Friday (26).

The so-called “40-hour law” will apply gradual changes each year, with a reduction of one hour in 2024 — that is, totaling 44 hours per week.

The legislation establishes that 40 hours of work per week will be reached by 2028.

“Five or six years ago it seemed impossible. All those myths, all those ghosts that were constructed at the same time to point out the reduction of working hours as impossible are left behind”, said government spokesperson Camila Vallejo, who was one of the authors of the project registered in 2017. , while she was a legislator.

“The country is moving forward and has advanced thanks to the drive of workers”, he highlighted.

Furthermore, the authorities stressed that this extra hour cannot affect workers’ wages nor be related to the break time.

Companies that do not comply with this law will be monitored and will be subject to sanctions and fines by the Chilean Labor Directorate.

Credits: CNN.