Q. What are the standard working hours for employees in Lebanon’s banking sector?
In Lebanon's banking sector, standard working hours are defined as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.الصفحة الرئيسية
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
These hours are consistent throughout the year, as outlined in the Collective Labour Agreement.
Q. How many hours per day are employees legally allowed to work under Lebanon law?
Lebanese labour law permits a standard workday of up to 8 hours. However, in urgent cases, such as critical banking operations, the daily working hours can be extended to a maximum of 12 hours. This extension requires prior notification to the Ministry of Labour within 24 hours and adherence to overtime compensation regulations.
Q. Are employees entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond the standard working hours under Lebanon law?
Yes, employees are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond the standard working hours. Lebanese labour law mandates that overtime work exceeding the standard 48-hour workweek must be compensated at a rate of at least 1.5 times the regular hourly wage.
Q. What is the overtime pay rate in the Lebanese banking sector under Lebanon law?
In the Lebanese banking sector, overtime pay is calculated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for any hours worked beyond the standard 48-hour workweek. This rate aligns with national labour laws aimed at ensuring fair compensation for additional work hours.
Q. Can employees work more than the standard number of hours per week under Lebanon law?
Yes, employees can work beyond the standard 48 hours per week; however, such work must be compensated as overtime. The law allows for additional hours, provided that they do not exceed the limits set for overtime work and that appropriate compensation is provided.
Q. What are the conditions under which overtime is permitted in Lebanese banks under Lebanon law?
Overtime in Lebanese banks is permitted under the following conditions:
- Urgent Necessity: Overtime is allowed when necessary to meet urgent banking requirements.
- Management Discretion: Bank management may request additional work hours, but only when needed and within legal limits.
- Notification: The Ministry of Labour must be notified within 24 hours when daily working hours exceed the standard 8 hours.
- Compensation: Employees must receive appropriate overtime pay for any hours worked beyond the standard schedule.
Q. Are there any exceptions to the standard working hours for specific job categories under Lebanon law?
Yes, exceptions exist for certain job categories. For instance, work in restaurants and cafes may have adjusted working hours, subject to ministerial approval. Additionally, specific roles may have different working hour arrangements as defined by collective agreements or individual contracts.
Q. Do employees receive breaks during the workday under Lebanon law, and how long are these breaks?
Lebanese labour law mandates that employees working more than six consecutive hours are entitled to a minimum one-hour break during the workday. This break is typically used for rest, meals, or personal activities.
Q. How does the collective agreement regulate working hours during public holidays under Lebanon law?
The Collective Labour Agreement specifies that employees are entitled to public holidays off with full pay. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are entitled to additional compensation, which may include overtime pay or a substitute day off, as per the agreement.
Q. What penalties exist for employers who force employees to work beyond legal limits under Lebanon law?
Employers who require employees to work beyond legal limits without proper compensation or fail to adhere to overtime regulations may face penalties under Lebanese labour law. Penalties can include fines, mandated payment of owed wages, and other sanctions as determined by the Ministry of Labour.
