Protected by Labor Law: What Rights Do Workers in Russia Have, How Much Do They Work, How Much Paid Leave Do They Get, and What About Pregnant Women?
Russian labor laws are built around the idea that employees should have clear rights, predictable working conditions, and access to procedures that protect them from unfair treatment.
TL;DR
- The Russian Labor Code guarantees a 40-hour work week, minimum wage, 28 days of paid annual leave, and strict dismissal procedures.
- Overtime is limited to 120 hours annually and paid at 150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter, generally requiring employee consent.
- Employees are entitled to at least 28 calendar days of paid annual leave, plus 14 public holidays.
- Salaries must be paid at least twice a month, and employees cannot typically be dismissed while on sick leave.
- Remote work, including permanent, temporary, or hybrid arrangements, is permitted if specified in the contract.
- Pregnant women are entitled to 20 weeks of maternity leave, and parents can take childcare leave until the child turns three.
- Dismissal requires a valid legal basis, often with a two-month notice period, and certain groups like pregnant women and mothers with children under three cannot be dismissed.
- Labor disputes can be reported to labor inspectors or state bodies.
- The Labor Code applies to both domestic and foreign workers, and international agreements are recognized.
- Collective agreements and trade unions play significant roles in the labor market, especially in large industries.