In Reunion, there isn't a statutory minimum or maximum number of working hours mandated across all sectors. The working week is typically framed by collective agreements negotiated between trade unions and employer organizations within specific industries. These agreements often outline the standard workweek and daily working hours.

The standard workweek in Reunion generally falls between 35 and 40 hours, with some variations depending on the industry and collective agreement. Daily working hours are also determined by collective agreements and typically range from 7 to 8 hours.

The Labour Code (Code du travail) establishes the general legal framework for working hours in France, which applies to Reunion as an overseas department. The Labour Code emphasizes that daily working hours cannot exceed 10 hours, except in special circumstances with prior authorization.

While the Labour Code provides these general guidelines, industry-specific collective agreements take precedence in defining standard working hours in Reunion. For further details and industry-specific regulations, it's recommended to consult the official department responsible for labor regulations in Reunion.

French labor law and specific regulations in Reunion dictate the rules and compensation for overtime work. The French Labor Code (Code du travail) lays the foundation for overtime work regulations. Ministerial orders and agreements (accords collectifs) established by industry sectors in Reunion can further define overtime specifics for certain professions.

Any work performed outside the regular work schedule defined by the employment contract is considered overtime work. This includes daily overtime, which are hours exceeding the daily work time set in the contract, and weekly overtime, which are hours exceeding the legal weekly working time limit.

Employers need authorization from the employee before implementing overtime work. Exceptions exist for emergencies or specific situations outlined in the employment contract or collective agreements.

There are two main ways overtime work is compensated. The first is through increased pay, where overtime hours are typically paid at a rate of 1.25 times the regular hourly wage. This rate increases to 1.5 times the regular wage for overtime on Sundays and public holidays. The second is through rest time, where employees can opt for compensatory rest time instead of increased pay. The amount of rest time granted is equal to the number of overtime hours worked.

Collective agreements in some sectors may define different overtime compensation rates or provide additional benefits for overtime work.

There are also maximum overtime work limits. Daily overtime is generally limited to 10 hours, with exceptions allowed under specific circumstances. Weekly overtime cannot exceed 48 hours (including regular working hours) over a four-month period.

Employers are required to maintain a record of all overtime hours worked by each employee. This record should be readily available for employee inspection.

In Reunion, a French overseas department, the labor laws regarding worker rest periods and breaks are in line with French labor laws.

Daily Rest Periods

Employees are entitled to a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours between the end of one workday and the beginning of the next.

Breaks

All employees have the right to breaks during their workday. The minimum break duration depends on the daily work schedule:

• For a workday of 6 hours or less, there is no mandatory break required.
• For a workday exceeding 6 hours, a minimum of 20 minutes break is required.

Breaks are not considered working hours and should be taken in installments throughout the workday. Employers and employees can negotiate the specific timing of breaks within these guidelines.

It's important to note that these are minimum requirements. Collective bargaining agreements or company policies may provide for longer rest periods or breaks.

French labor law, which also applies to Reunion, a French overseas department, provides the basis for regulations regarding night and weekend work. However, there are additional local legislations that further specify these regulations.

Night work is typically defined as work performed between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., unless otherwise specified by a collective agreement. There are restrictions on the number of night hours an employee can work, with an average of 8 night hours per week over a twelve-week period.

There are certain safeguards that apply to night work. Before assigning an employee to night work, a medical examination is mandatory. Night workers are entitled to increased rest periods compared to day workers. Additionally, night work usually warrants higher compensation through wage supplements or reduced working hours.

Weekend work generally refers to work performed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. While weekend work isn't entirely prohibited, it requires specific procedures. Weekend work generally requires the employee's prior consent. It must be compensated through additional pay or compensatory rest time. Collective agreements may establish specific rules for weekend work within their sector.