In Guatemala, after completing a full year of continuous service with an employer, employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation leave. This leave accrues proportionally throughout the year, and employees can take it after they have completed one year of service.

During these vacation periods, employees are entitled to their regular salary in full. If the employment relationship ends, any unused vacation time should, in principle, be compensated.

Entitlement After One Year

After a full year of continuous service with an employer, employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation leave per year.

Accrual of Vacation Leave

Vacation leave generally accrues proportionally throughout the year. Employees can take this leave after they have completed one year of service.

Salary During Vacation

During vacation periods, employees must receive their regular salary in full.

Compensation for Unused Vacation

If the employment relationship ends, any unused vacation time should, in principle, be compensated.

In Guatemala, there are several fixed date holidays that are celebrated nationwide. These include:

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the calendar year.
• Maundy Thursday (March/April): This is the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The date varies yearly.
• Good Friday (March/April): This is the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date varies yearly.
• Holy Saturday (March/April): This is the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The date varies yearly.
• Labor Day (May 1st): This day celebrates workers' contributions internationally.
• Army Day (June 30th): This day commemorates the Guatemalan Armed Forces.
• Revolution Day (October 20th): This day celebrates the 1944 revolution that overthrew a dictatorship regime.
• All Saints' Day (November 1st): This is a religious holiday primarily observed by Roman Catholics.
• Christmas Eve (December 24th): This is the day before Christmas Day.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
• New Year's Eve (December 31st): This is the last day of the year.

Local/Regional Holidays

In addition to these fixed date holidays, some communities or regions in Guatemala may observe additional holidays specific to their local traditions or patron saints.

In Guatemala, employees are entitled to various types of leave, each with its own specific entitlements and compensation.

Vacation Leave

After each full year of continuous service, employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation. During these vacation leave periods, employees receive full pay.

Sick Leave

Employees generally become eligible for paid sick leave upon completing a probationary period with their employer. The specific duration of paid sick leave depends on length of employment, workplace policies, and the nature of the illness. Compensation for paid sick leave can vary based on employment duration and social security contributions. For more extended illnesses, social insurance (IGSS) may provide coverage. Employers may require a medical certificate to validate the need for sick leave after a certain period.

Maternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 84 days of paid maternity leave, generally split into pre-natal and post-natal periods. Eligible employees receive maternity benefits generally covered by social security (IGSS).

Other Types of Leave

Bereavement Leave

Employees may be entitled to a short period of paid leave in the case of the death of a close family member. The specific provisions often depend on employment agreements or workplace policies.

Marriage Leave

Employees may be entitled to a short paid leave for their wedding.

It's important to note that individual employment contracts or collective agreements may offer additional leave provisions exceeding the outlined legal minimums. Always consult your specific agreement for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding leave policies in your workplace.