The regulations that progressively reduce the working day in Chile continue their gradual implementation, with the aim of improving the well-being of workers and promoting a greater balance between work and personal life.
According to information published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, It is projected that Law 21,561 will reach its full application in 2028, when the hourly reduction process is completely consolidated.
When will the next reduction in working hours take place?
The plan contemplates successive adjustments. The first mandatory modification took place on April 26, 2024, when the weekly working hours dropped from 45 to 44 hours.
The next stage is scheduled for April 26, 2026. On that date, the legal limit will decrease again, going from 44 to 42 hours per week. According to what is indicated by the official portal ChileAtiende, The final cut will be applied in 2028, the year in which the ordinary working day will reach 40 hours.
Who is covered by the 40-hour Law
The legislation governs exclusively for workers who maintain an employment relationship subject to the Labor Code.
This implies that It does not cover those who provide services under fee modalities or public officials in contract or permanent capacity, since its conditions are regulated by the Administrative Statute and not by common labor regulations.
