Suriname's Labor Act of 1963 (Arbeidswet 1963) sets the regulations for maximum working hours within the country. The Act outlines a standard workweek, limiting employees to a maximum of 8.5 hours per day and 48 hours per week.

There are exceptions for specific professions. For instance, employees solely performing security duties can work up to 12 hours per day and 72 hours per week, as determined by the Head of Labor. Employees whose primary function is security, but with additional responsibilities, can work up to 10 hours per day and 60 hours per week, with approval from the Head of Labor.

The Minister of Labor may also authorize extended working hours for certain employee categories, businesses, or industries, but details on such exceptions are not specified within the Act.

In Suriname, the Labor Act of 1963 (Arbeidswet 1963) outlines the regulations for overtime work and the corresponding compensation.

Work is considered overtime when it surpasses the standard working hours as defined by the Labor Act.

The Labor Act requires employers to obtain a permit from the Labor Inspectorate before asking employees to work overtime. This permit is only granted if the employer can provide a valid business justification for exceeding the standard working hours.

The minimum additional compensation for overtime work varies depending on the day and time worked:

• On weekdays, employees are entitled to a minimum 50% increase in their regular pay rate for overtime work.
• Work performed on Sundays and public holidays necessitates a minimum 100% increase in the regular pay rate. This applies to both weekdays preceding a holiday and the actual holiday itself.

It's important to note that these are the minimum mandated rates. Collective bargaining agreements between industry unions and employers may stipulate higher compensation for overtime work in specific sectors.

Surinamese labor law mandates minimum rest periods and breaks for employees. Here's a breakdown of these entitlements:

Daily Rest Break

Employees in Suriname are entitled to a minimum uninterrupted rest period of at least 45 minutes after working for 5 hours continuously. This break allows for rest, refreshment, and helps maintain focus throughout the workday.

Weekly Rest

Suriname adheres to the International Labour Organization's Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1957. This convention guarantees workers a minimum of 24 consecutive hours of rest per week. This mandated break offers crucial downtime for physical and mental recuperation.

Exceptions to the weekly rest requirement might exist, but compensatory periods of rest must be provided whenever possible. Employers are obligated to inform staff about rest days and maintain records of any exceptions.

Suriname recognizes the potential challenges of night and weekend work, and has implemented regulations to safeguard the well-being of workers.

In terms of night shift work, Surinamese law does not provide a clear definition of "night shift." However, it is commonly interpreted as the period from 10 pm to 6 am. Workers who are assigned to night shifts are entitled to a wage increase compared to their regular pay. The specific percentage increase is subject to negotiation within employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.

As for weekend work, which typically refers to work performed on Sundays and official holidays, it is generally prohibited. However, exceptions are made in specific circumstances, provided such work is indispensable for the company's operation, essential for public health or safety, or authorized by the Minister of Labor. When working on weekends, employees must be compensated with a wage increase or receive compensatory rest time. The specific details of this compensation are determined through negotiation within employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.

It's important to consult the official Surinamese Labor Law for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on night shift and weekend work regulations. While unofficial translations exist online, a reliable source for the official law in English might not be readily available.