Cabo Verde's labor laws establish a framework for regulating working hours to protect employee well-being and ensure fair compensation. Understanding these regulations is crucial for businesses operating in Cabo Verde to maintain compliance and foster positive employer-employee relations. The legal provisions cover various aspects of working time, including standard hours, overtime, rest periods, and specific rules for night and weekend work.
Adhering to Cabo Verde's working time regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a key factor in promoting a productive and healthy work environment. Employers must accurately record working hours and compensate employees appropriately for any overtime work. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the key aspects of working time regulations in Cabo Verde for 2025.
Standard Working Hours
The standard working week in Cabo Verde is 44 hours. This is typically distributed across six days, usually Monday to Saturday. Daily working hours should not exceed 8 hours.
- Normal Workday: 8 hours
- Standard Workweek: 44 hours
Overtime Regulations
Overtime work in Cabo Verde is permitted but is subject to certain limitations and compensation requirements. Overtime should be compensated with a premium on the normal wage.
| Overtime Type | Compensation Rate |
- Daily Limit: Overtime work is limited to a maximum of 2 hours per day, except in exceptional circumstances.
- Weekly Limit: The total combined standard and overtime work should not exceed 60 hours per week.
Rest Periods and Break Entitlements
Employees are entitled to daily and weekly rest periods.
- Daily Rest: A minimum of 1 hour break during the working day, typically for lunch.
- Weekly Rest: At least 24 consecutive hours of rest per week, usually on a Sunday.
Night Shift and Weekend Work
Specific regulations apply to night shift and weekend work to protect employees' health and well-being.
- Night Shift: Night shift work, typically defined as work performed between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM, may be subject to additional compensation or reduced working hours.
- Weekend Work: Work on Sundays or public holidays is generally restricted and may require prior authorization from the relevant authorities. If work is performed on these days, employees are entitled to increased compensation.
Working Time Recording
Employers in Cabo Verde have a legal obligation to accurately record the working hours of their employees. This includes:
- Timekeeping System: Maintaining a reliable system for recording start and end times of work, including any breaks taken.
- Overtime Records: Documenting all instances of overtime work, including the specific hours worked and the corresponding compensation paid.
- Accessibility: Making these records available for inspection by labor authorities upon request.
Failure to comply with these recording obligations can result in penalties and legal repercussions for the employer.
