In Prelude to Eventual Legislation, Chile Launches “40-Hour Work Week” Certification

Following in the steps of other South American countries, Chile created a special “40-Hour Work Week” certification as the country contemplates working hour legislation to improve the quality of life for its citizens while balancing economic considerations.   

To obtain the new certification, companies must have at least 80% of its workforce with between 30 and 40 working hours per week.  Further, the company must also have avoided violating other fundamental rights under Chile’s labor codes and be up to date on social security payment obligations.   

The awarding of the certificate is thought to be helpful for companies to promote themselves as an attractive employer as well as position themselves as forward thinking in many social protection and dialogue debates.   

The creation of the certificate system is the opening foray of Chile’s legislative movement towards implementing a legislative 40-hour work week mandate like several other countries, including Ecuador as well as Brazil and Columbia which have implemented reforms to gradually reduce the work week to 40 hours.   

HR Policy Global’s Take:  Multinationals in Chile can take an opportunity to get some good press by completing this certification.  If it is not possible, companies should be aware that that the hour requirements in Chile will shrink towards the standard 40-hour work week seen in other western economies.