Understand the regulations on vacation and other types of leave in Paraguay
In Paraguay, the Labor Code outlines the regulations for employee vacation entitlements. After one year of continuous service with the same employer, employees become eligible for paid vacation leave. However, these vacation days accrue progressively and not all at once.
After one year of continuous service with the same employer, employees become eligible for paid vacation leave. It's important to note that these vacation days accrue progressively and not all at once.
The number of vacation days an employee is entitled to is dependent on their years of service:
When it comes to vacation leave, there are several important factors to consider:
The Labor Code provides the basic regulations for vacation. However, specific industries or collective bargaining agreements may offer more favorable vacation entitlements. Employers in Paraguay who violate vacation leave laws may face fines and other penalties.
Paraguay observes a variety of national, historical, and religious holidays throughout the year.
Paraguay has several fixed public holidays. These include:
In addition to the fixed holidays, Paraguay also observes movable public holidays. These include Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the dates of which vary according to the Christian calendar.
Several public holidays in Paraguay can be moved to the nearest Monday by presidential decree. This is done to create long weekends and promote domestic tourism. However, fixed holidays, including Independence Day and Christmas Day, are never moved.
In Paraguay, there are several types of leave available to employees. These include annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, and other types of leave such as bereavement and study leave.
Employees are entitled to annual leave based on their years of service. After one year of service, employees are entitled to 12 working days of leave. This increases to 18 working days after five years of service and 30 working days after ten years of service. This is in accordance with the Labor Code of Paraguay, Article 218.
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave after making a minimum of four weeks of social security contributions. A medical certificate must be presented to the employer. This is outlined in the Labor Code of Paraguay, Article 75 and the Social Security regulations.
Women are entitled to 18 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. The payment is made through the Social Security Institute (IPS) upon providing a doctor's certificate. In the case of multiple births, an additional 30 days of paid leave is provided. This is in accordance with the Labor Code of Paraguay, Article 133 and the Social Security regulations.
Men are entitled to 2 weeks of fully paid paternity leave, compensated by the Social Security Institute (IPS). This is outlined in the Labor Code of Paraguay, Article 55, amended by Law N° 5508/15.
There are other types of leave available as well. Bereavement leave may be provided in specific circumstances, usually upon the death of an immediate family member. Some employers may also offer study leave provisions depending on company policies.
It's important to note that leave entitlements may sometimes be increased through collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts. Employers are obligated to maintain records of employee leave accrual and usage.
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