Today's Edition
Buenos Aires (dpa)
Chile is gradually reducing the working week to 40 hours.
The 40-hour law came into force in the South American country on Friday. Initially, the working week will be reduced from 45 to 44 hours.
In April 2026, the working week will be reduced to 42 hours and then finally to 40 hours per week in 2028. Employees' salaries will remain the same.
"This law is good for the country, the workers and the companies," Labour Minister Jeannette Jara told radio station Cooperativa.
"Currently there is a lot of absenteeism due to fatigue, mental illness due to overwork and the double burden of women."
Within the OECD, Chile is one of the countries with the longest working hours.
