In Lebanon, the Lebanese Code of Labour outlines the regulations governing standard working hours. The maximum legal working week is 48 hours, applicable to most employee categories, excluding agriculture. The standard workday is eight hours, though this can be extended to a maximum of 12 hours per day.

There are also exceptions and considerations to these standard working hours. For instance, the Ministry of National Economy may reduce work hours for demanding or hazardous jobs. Conversely, extended hours might be permitted in specific sectors like restaurants and cafes, subject to ministerial approval.

In Lebanon, the Lebanese Code of Labour establishes the framework for overtime work and its compensation.

Work is considered overtime when the hours exceed the standard limits set by law. The maximum legal working week is 48 hours.

Employers are required to offer additional compensation for overtime work. The overtime work exceeding the 48-hour weekly limit requires a wage increase of at least 50% on top of the employee's regular wage.

There are certain limitations on overtime work. The average weekly overtime work cannot surpass 8 hours over a four-month period, which can be extended to 12 months under exceptional circumstances. The total overtime work per year cannot exceed 150 hours. There are exceptions for situations where the employee receives compensatory rest or the overtime involves urgent repairs or preventing significant workplace damage.

In specific instances, employers might offer compensatory rest periods in lieu of overtime pay. However, the regulations regarding such arrangements are not explicitly detailed in the Lebanese Code of Labour.

Employers are obligated to maintain accurate records of employee work hours, including regular hours and overtime.

In Lebanon, labor laws ensure that employees are entitled to rest periods and breaks to maintain their well-being and prevent fatigue.

Mandatory Rest Breaks

Lebanese law guarantees a minimum rest break for employees who work extended hours. Specifically, workers who work for more than six consecutive hours (men) or five consecutive hours (women) are entitled to a one-hour break during the workday.

Daily Rest Period

Employees also have the right to a period of uninterrupted rest between workdays. A minimum of nine consecutive hours of rest must be provided between each workday. This ensures adequate recovery time before resuming work.

Considerations and Exceptions

The specific timing of the one-hour break can be determined through agreement between the employer and employee representatives. This allows for some flexibility in scheduling breaks within the workday.

The nine-hour rest period between workdays can be reduced under exceptional circumstances. However, the specific situations where this exception applies are not explicitly defined in the Lebanese Code of Labour. It's recommended to consult the Ministry of Labour for clarification in such cases.

Employers are legally responsible for adhering to these mandated rest periods and breaks. Failure to do so might be considered a violation of employee rights.

In Lebanon, the Code of Labour provides some general guidelines for night shifts and weekend work, but specific regulations are somewhat limited.

Night work is defined as work performed during a specific time frame, typically between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. However, the exact definition might vary depending on the industry or sector. The Lebanese Code of Labour doesn't explicitly mandate specific compensation or premium pay for night shifts. However, some sectors might have established practices or collective bargaining agreements that address night shift work and potential compensation. Night work can disrupt sleep patterns and potentially impact employee well-being. Employers have a general duty to ensure a safe and healthy work environment, and this might include considerations for night shift workers, such as adequate lighting.

The Lebanese Code of Labour doesn't explicitly prohibit weekend work. However, employers should adhere to the overall working hour limitations and mandated rest periods between workdays. Similar to night shifts, there are no specific legal requirements for premium pay for working weekends in Lebanon. However, collective bargaining agreements in certain sectors might address weekend work and potential compensation.