In Guyana, the standard working hours are outlined in the Labour Act of 1942, which was amended as of 1997. The Act establishes a 40-hour workweek spread over no more than five days.

While the law dictates the minimum standard, employers and employees can agree on different working hours through mutual consent. It's also important to note that working hours may vary slightly depending on the industry. For example, factories typically follow an 8-hour workday structure.

In Guyana, the Labour Act of 1942 (amended as of 1997) sets the guidelines for overtime work and compensation.

Employees are eligible for overtime pay when they work beyond the standard workweek or the hours agreed upon with the employer. Although the Act doesn't explicitly state a daily limit, overtime pay is typically applicable after exceeding 7 ¼ hours in a workday. However, some industries follow an 8-hour threshold.

The overtime premium is set at 1.5 times the employee's basic hourly rate for every overtime hour worked.

Additional considerations include the provision for meal breaks and weekly rest days. Employees are entitled to at least one rest day per week, usually on Sunday, but alternative arrangements can be made through agreements. Factory workers might be entitled to additional premiums for working on Sundays or public holidays.

In Guyana, the law guarantees rest periods and breaks for workers, promoting their well-being and productivity. Here's a breakdown based on relevant legislation:

Lunch/Dinner Break The Labour (Conditions of employment of certain workers) Act, 1995 (amended as of 2005) mandates a minimum break of at least one hour for lunch or dinner.

General Rest and Prayer Breaks The Labour Act of 1942 (amended as of 1997) allows for an interval or intervals for prayer, rest, and taking meals, with a minimum duration of one hour and a maximum of three hours.

Important Considerations Employers are obligated to provide a suitable room for workers to utilize during these rest periods. The law also prohibits employees from working for more than five consecutive hours without a break.

In Guyana, labor laws provide certain regulations regarding night shifts and weekend work, particularly for young workers. The Labour Act Chapter 98:01, also known as the Act, restricts night work for young workers, defined as individuals under 18 years old. They are generally not allowed to work between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.

However, exceptions are made for certain industries where continuous operation is necessary. These industries include the manufacture of iron and steel, glass works, manufacture of paper, manufacture of raw sugar, and gold mining reduction work. Despite these exceptions, the Act gives the government the power to further limit night work for young people between 16 and 18 years old. This limitation can only be implemented in emergencies where the public interest is significantly involved.

The Act also establishes some general provisions applicable to all workers, including those working night and weekend shifts. Workers cannot work for more than five consecutive hours without a break. This regulation applies to all shifts, including nights and weekends.

It's important to consult the latest version of the Labour Act (Chapter 98:01) for the most current information on night shift and weekend work regulations in Guyana, as the Act may be subject to amendments and revisions.