Understand the laws governing work hours and overtime in Lithuania
In Lithuania, the labor law outlines the maximum and average working hours to ensure the well-being of employees and prevent burnout.
The typical workweek in Lithuania consists of 40 hours, which translates to an 8-hour workday from Monday through Friday. However, specific agreements between employers and employees can deviate from the standard 40-hour week.
Lithuanian law also establishes a maximum of 8 working hours per day. This regulation excludes the time allocated for lunch breaks.
In Lithuania, the law permits overtime work under certain conditions, with specific limitations and required compensation. These regulations are outlined in the Lithuanian Labour Code.
Limitations on Overtime Work
Exceptions to Overtime Regulations
Overtime Work Compensation
Employee Consent and Records
In Lithuania, labor law mandates rest periods and breaks to ensure employee well-being and prevent fatigue.
Daily Breaks
Employees are entitled to a break for rest and meal consumption, lasting between 30 minutes and 2 hours. This break must be provided no later than 5 hours after the workday commences.
Daily Rest Between Workdays
Lithuanian law mandates a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of uninterrupted rest between workdays (shifts). This ensures adequate recovery time before returning to work.
Weekly Rest Period
Employees are legally entitled to a minimum of 35 consecutive hours of uninterrupted rest per week. This rest period typically falls over two consecutive days, usually the weekend.
Exceptions for Specific Work Schedules
In cases with split working days (work with a break exceeding the standard lunch break), employees must still receive the minimum daily rest of 11 consecutive hours.
When using summary working time recording (work hours tracked over a reference period), the maximum weekly working time, excluding additional work and on-call duty, cannot exceed 52 hours.
In Lithuania, labor law acknowledges the unique challenges associated with night and weekend work. The Lithuanian Labour Code has specific regulations to protect employee well-being during these non-standard working hours.
Night work is defined as work performed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The average number of night work hours per week cannot exceed 8 hours over a three-month accounting period. Night work warrants increased compensation. Employees working night shifts are entitled to at least a 1.5 times their regular wage.
Employees are legally entitled to a minimum of 35 consecutive hours of uninterrupted rest per week, which typically falls over two consecutive days, including weekends. Weekend work can be mandated with the employee's written consent. Work performed on weekends necessitates increased compensation. Employees working on weekends are entitled to at least double their regular wage.
When night work falls on a weekend, employees earn both night work and weekend work supplements, ensuring fair compensation for the additional strain. Specific exemptions from weekend work regulations exist for certain professions and essential services as outlined in the Labour Code or collective agreements.
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