Employing Workers

Le projet sur l’Embauche des Travailleurs évalue les changements des règles du travail chaque année.

Changements sur toutes les années

Afghanistan

EW2008: Afghanistan increased the maximum number of working days allowed per week and introduced a requirement for third-party approval for collective dismissals.

Albania

EW2018: Albania amended legislation to reduce the maximum number of hour allowed in a workweek and to mandate that women and men be given equal remuneration for work of equal value.

Angola

EW2017: Angola adopted a new labor law that decreased the wage premium for overtime and night work and increased the wage premium for work on weekly holidays. The law also extended the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and made fixed-term contracts able to be used for permanent tasks, reduced severance pay for redundancy dismissals of employees with five and ten years of continuous employment and increased severance pay for employees with one continuous year of service.

Argentina

EW2009: Argentina reduced the severance pay applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals

Armenia

EW2012: Armenia increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts, reduced the premium applicable in case of night work as well as decreased the notice period and the severance pay applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Australia

EW2011: Australia introduced the severance payment obligation and reemployment consideration applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals. Annual leave was increased and averaging of hours is now allowed in shorter periods of time. In addition, notice period applicable in case of redundancy dismissals was decreased.

Austria

EW2020: Austria changed regulations pertaining to working time.

Azerbaijan

EW2019: Azerbaijan changed regulations pertaining to the notice period for redundancy dismissals and severance payments.

EW2009: Azerbaijan allowed fixed-term contracts to be concluded for permanent tasks, eliminated the requirements to notify third parties in cases of redundancy dismissals, and repealed a retraining or reassignment obligation before an employer can make a worker redundant.

Bahamas, The

EW2018: The Bahamas amended its legislation to introduce priority rules that apply to reemployment.

Bahrain

EW2014: Bahrain reduced the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts, made third-party notification mandatory for redundancy dismissals and increased paid annual leave.

Belarus

EW2016: - Belarus amended the provisions of its Labor Code relating to wage regulation, labor arbitration, calculation of overtime pay and grounds for termination of employment. It also lifted prohibitions on concurrent employment. - Belarus increased the minimum wage from 1,600,000 Belarussian Rubles per month to 2,100 000 Belarussian Rubles per month, in accordance with the ‘Determination of minimum wage’ Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, dated 12/9/2014 No. 1151

EW2010: Belarus eliminated the requirement for third-party notification for redundancy dismissals.

Belgium

EW2015: Belgium increased the notice period for redundancy dismissals.

EW2012: Belgium increased the severance payment obligation.

Belize

EW2012: Belize introduced the requirements to notify third parties in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Benin

EW2019: Benin amended its regulations pertaining to fixed-term contracts.

Bhutan

EW2013: Bhutan introduced a minimum wage.

EW2011: Bhutan established the mandatory paid annual leave.

EW2008: Bhutan increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts, eliminated restrictions on night work, introduced a requirement for third-party notification for redundancy dismissals and increased redundancy costs.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

EW2018: Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted legislation that decreased wage premiums for overtime, weekly holiday, night work, and increased minimum wage.

Brazil

EW2019: Brazil changed regulations pertaining to intermittent work, work scheduling, compensation, employee termination and union representation. This reform applies to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

EW2017: Brazil expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits to employees with one year of continuous work experience. This reform applies to both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

EW2013: Brazil increased the notice period applicable in cases of redundancy dismissal of employees.

Brunei Darussalam

EW2011: Brunei Darussalam instituted mandatory minimum annual leave and reduced notice periods applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Bulgaria

EW2019: Bulgaria amended its legislation to extend the duration of the contribution period that is required before an employee can become eligible for unemployment protection.

Burkina Faso

EW2009: Burkina Faso allowed fixed-term contracts to be concluded for permanent tasks, removed the 48-month limit on their duration. It also eliminated restrictions on “weekly holiday” work and the employer's obligation to notify a third party before dismissing one redundant worker.

Cabo Verde

EW2017: Cabo Verde introduced unemployment insurance for workers with a contribution period of at least six months.

EW2015: Cabo Verde introduced a minimum wage.

EW2009: Cape Verde reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts, increased paid annual leave, introduced a retraining or reassignment obligation and increased the notice period in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Canada

EW2019: Canada amended its legislation to increase paid annual leave after five and ten years of employment and introduce two days of paid sick leave.

China

EW2009: China established paid annual leave and introduced priority rules for redundancy dismissals or layoffs.

Colombia

EW2018: Colombia increased the mandatory length of paid maternity leave.

Comoros

EW2017: The Comoros reduced the length of notice period and amount of severance payment for redundancy dismissals.

Congo, Dem. Rep.

EW2018: The Democratic Republic of Congo introduced regulation pertaining to working hours

EW2017: The Democratic Republic of Congo adopted legislation that prohibits discrimination in hiring on the basis of gender.

Costa Rica

EW2019: Costa Rica changed regulations pertaining to the content of dismissal letters, non-discrimination, special protection for employees and limitations to strikes and implemented a new jurisdictional structure of the labor courts.

Croatia

EW2016: 1) Croatia eliminated the requirement to retrain or reassign employees before they can be made redundant. 2) In accordance with the Minimal Wage Act, Art. 1, published in Official Gazette No.151/2014, the minimum wage has been increased from 3.017,61 Kuna/month to 3.029,55 Croatian Kuna/month gross salary, in force for the period of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

EW2015: Croatia lifted the 3-year limit on the duration of first-time fixed-term contracts.

EW2011: Croatia increased the mandatory paid annual leave.

Cyprus

EW2017: Cyprus amended its legislation to allow shops and supermarkets to operate seven days a week

Czech Republic

EW2014: The Czech Republic abolished the minimum wage for young workers.

EW2013: The Czech Republic increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and reduced the severance pay applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals of employees with one year of service.

EW2009: Czech Republic amended its Labor Code allowing the performance of more overtime work per week.

EW2008: : The Czech Republic eliminated the obligation for retraining or reassignment in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Djibouti

EW2020: Djibouti introduced a minimum wage of 35,000 francs ($198) per month.

Dominican Republic

EW2018: The Dominican Republic increased the mandatory length of paid maternity leave.

Ecuador

EW2016: Ecuador eliminated fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks.

Estonia

EW2011: Estonia eliminated the applicable priority rules for dismissals as well as the obligation to notify and obtain the approval of a third party in case of redundancy dismissals. It also removed restrictions on night work and reduced notice period and severance payment applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Fiji

EW2009: Fiji introduced a requirement to notify third parties in cases of redundancy dismissals and implemented a severance payment obligation.

Finland

EW2018: Finland increased the length of the maximum probationary period for permanent employees.

EW2015: Finland eliminated the requirement to notify a third party before dismissing a redundant employee or group of redundant employees.

France

EW2019: France amended its labor code to modify the amount of severance payments for employees after one, five and ten years of employment.

EW2017: France reformed its labor legislation by introducing changes to the administration of labor tribunals, extending Sunday and evening work in areas designated as international tourist zones and facilitating employee employer dialogue.

EW2015: France substantially amended its labor market regulations, including the provisions dealing with large-scale collective redundancy processes.

Gambia, The

EW2009: The Gambia increased the notice period for redundancy dismissals.

Georgia

EW2015: Georgia reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and introduced a notice period for redundancy dismissals.

Germany

EW2016: Germany introduced a minimum wage of €8.50 an hour in accordance with the Act on Minimum Wages (Mindestlohngesetz), which took effect on January 1, 2015.

Greece

EW2012: Greece decreased the severance pay applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Haiti

EW2019: Haiti amended its legislation pertaining to the 24-hour weekly rest period, weekly holiday and night work premiums, other work-related distribution of hours, services and minimum working age requirements.

Honduras

EW2010: Honduras increased the severance payments applicable in redundancy dismissals.

Hong Kong SAR, China

EW2012: Hong Kong, China introduced a Minimum Wage.

Hungary

EW2020: Hungary changed regulations pertaining to overtime work.

EW2017: Hungary amended legislation to remove restrictions limiting the operating hours for retail shops.

EW2016: Hungary adopted legislation limiting the operating hours for retail shops.

EW2014: Hungary reduced the premium for night work and weekly holiday work and increased the minimum wage.

India

EW2019: India (Mumbai) changed regulations pertaining to weekly holiday work, overtime hours and paid annual leave.

EW2018: India increased the mandatory length of paid maternity. This reform applies to both New Delhi and Mumbai.

Ireland

EW2014: Ireland ended a 60% rebate for employers on severance payments and eliminated the requirement for third-party notification when terminating a redundant worker.

Israel

EW2019: Israel changed regulations pertaining to working hours per week, overtime hours and maternity leave.

Italy

EW2020: Italy changed regulations pertaining to fixed-term contracts.

EW2016: Italy adopted the Jobs Act, which simplifies redundancy rules and encourages out-of-court reconciliation, reducing the time and cost for resolving labor disputes. The new legislation also broadens the coverage of unemployment insurance.

EW2015: Italy relaxed the conditions for using fixed-term contracts but reduced their maximum duration to 36 months.

EW2010: Italy allowed the use of fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks.

EW2009: Italy increased the notice period for redundancy dismissals.

Kazakhstan

EW2017: Kazakhstan adopted a new labor code that decreased the wage premium for work on weekly holidays, eliminated the requirement to reassign employees before making them redundant, extended the maximum duration of probationary periods and introduced mandatory out-of-court mediation procedures before parties can file claims in court.

EW2009: Kazakhstan increased paid annual leave and also introduced a reassignment obligation applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Kiribati

EW2018: Kiribati introduced a mandatory minimum wage, provided specific rules on working hours, introduced annual paid leave and streamlined redundancy rules.

Korea, Rep.

EW2009: Korea increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts.

Kosovo

EW2013: Kosovo introduced a minimum wage.

EW2012: Kosovo increased the premium for night work as well as the days of annual leave. In addition, Kosovo decreased the notice period applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Kuwait

EW2011: Kuwait increased the number of days of paid annual leave and increased the notice period applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Kyrgyz Republic

EW2010: The Kyrgyz Republic eliminated the requirement for third-party notification for redundancy dismissals. In addition, it repealed the retraining or reassignment obligations and priority rules for reemployment that apply in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Lao PDR

EW2016: Lao PDR capped the duration of renewable fixed-term contracts (previously unlimited) at 36 months and reduced the maximum length of a probationary period from 3 months to 2. It also eliminated the requirement for third-party approval before an employer can dismiss one worker or a group of nine workers and reduced the severance payment for employees with 5 and 10 years of tenure.

Latvia

EW2018: Latvia amended its legislation to extend the duration of the contribution period that is required before an employee can become eligible for unemployment protection.

EW2016: 1) Latvia increased the maximum duration of a single fixed-term contract from 36 months to 60. 2) Latvia increased its minimum wage

EW2013: Latvia eliminated notification requirements to third parties in cases of redundancy dismissal.

EW2008: Latvia increased the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts and introduced a requirement for third-party notification for a single redundancy dismissal.

Liberia

EW2017: Liberia shortened the workweek by increasing the mandatory number of weekly rest hours to 36 consecutive hours with Sunday designated as the weekly holiday. It also mandated a maximum of five overtime hours per week. Liberia also introduced paid annual leave entitlements to employees after one year of employment, extended the duration of paid maternity leave and mandated equal remuneration for work of equal value.

Lithuania

EW2019: Lithuania changed legislation on working hours, paid annual leave, as well as notice period and severance payments in case of redundancy.

EW2012: Lithuania allowed fixed-term contracts to be concluded for permanent tasks (until 31 July 2012).

Luxembourg

EW2020: Luxembourg changed regulations pertaining to paid annual leave.

EW2019: Luxembourg increased post-natal maternity leave, amended statutory provisions for leave for personal reasons and family leave, introduced state co-financing of professional trainings and amended pre-retirement rules.

EW2010: Luxembourg increased the severance payments applicable in redundancy dismissals.

Malawi

EW2012: Malawi decreased the severance pay applicable in case of redundancy dismissals of workers with 10 years of service.

Malaysia

EW2019: Malaysia changed regulations pertaining to unemployment protection.

EW2014: Malaysia introduced a minimum wage.

EW2011: Malaysia eliminated the requirements to notify third parties in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Maldives

EW2010: Maldives reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and increased mandatory paid annual leave.

Mali

EW2019: Mali introduced language guaranteeing equal remuneration for work of equal value in the legislation.

Malta

EW2020: Malta changed regulations pertaining to paid annual leave.

Mauritius

EW2015: Mauritius reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts.

EW2010: Mauritius increased mandatory paid annual leave, eliminated the requirement to seek prior approval for redundancy dismissals and reduced redundancy costs.

Mexico

EW2017: Mexico adopted a resolution that eliminated geographic differences in national minimum wages. Prior to the reform Mexico was divided into two zones—zone A and zone B—with different applicable minimum wages. This reform applies to both Mexico City and Monterrey.

Moldova

EW2016: Moldova changed regulations pertaining probationary periods

EW2008: Moldova increased the severance payments applicable in redundancy dismissals.

Mongolia

EW2018: Mongolia amended its legislation to reduce the maximum length of the employee probationary period.

Montenegro

EW2013: Montenegro lowered redundancy costs—though it also reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and increased paid annual leave.

EW2010: Montenegro allowed the use of fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks and set no limits on the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts. In addition, it eliminated the requirement for third-party notification for the redundancy dismissal of one worker and reduced redundancy costs.

Morocco

EW2016: 1) Morocco implemented an unemployment insurance scheme. 2) Morocco increased the minimum wage increased from 12.24 to 12.85 DH/hour as of July 1, 2014, according to decree n° 2.14.343 of June 2014, published in the official bulletin 5292.

Mozambique

EW2019: Mozambique introduced a new social security regulation.

EW2009: Mozambique increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and also reduced the notice period applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Myanmar

EW2017: Myanmar introduced a minimum wage and changed the regulation of severance pay.

Namibia

EW2010: Namibia increased mandatory paid annual leave.

Nepal

EW2019: Nepal changed regulations pertaining to fixed-term contracts, probationary periods, working hours, paid maternity and sick leave, night work for women, third party approval in case of redundancy and unemployment protection.

Netherlands

EW2017: The Netherlands reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts from 36 to 24 months. Severance pay was introduced for redundancy dismissals for employees with at least 2 years of continuous employment.

Niger

EW2014: Niger increased the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts.

North Macedonia

EW2020: North Macedonia changed its labor regulations on probationary period, priority rules during redundancy dismissals, reemployment, and severance payments.

EW2016: 1) FYR Macedonia introduced amendments to its Labor Relations Act relating to social contributions, employment contracts, independent contractors, annual leave, overtime work, health inspections and labor disputes. 2) The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia increased the minimum wage.

EW2010: FYR Macedonia allowed the use of fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks and reduced mandatory paid annual leave. In addition, it repealed the retraining or reassignment obligations and priority rules for reemployment that apply in cases of redundancy dismissals.

Norway

EW2019: Norway amended its legislation to allow for night work until 11:00 PM if an employer and employee enter into a written agreement.

EW2017: Norway allowed the use of fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks for 12 months.

Oman

EW2013: Oman reduced the maximum number of working days per week and increased the paid annual leave applicable for employees with one year of service.

Paraguay

EW2018: Paraguay increased the mandatory the length of paid maternity leave

Peru

EW2010: Peru decreased mandatory paid annual leave and reduced the severance payments applicable in redundancy dismissals.

Poland

EW2017: Poland reduced the maximum duration of fixed term contracts to 33 months and limited the total number of fixed term contracts between the same employer and employee to three.

EW2011: Poland reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts.

Portugal

EW2017: Portugal reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts.

EW2016: Portugal introduced priority rules for redundancy dismissals and new regulations for collective bargaining agreements.

EW2015: Portugal reduced the amount of severance pay per year of service and increased the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts.

EW2014: Portugal reduced the wage premium for weekly holiday work and abolished priority rules for redundancy dismissals.

EW2013: Portugal increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and reduced the severance pay applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

EW2011: Portugal approved a new Labor Code.

EW2010: Portugal increased both the notice period for redundancy dismissals and the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts.

Puerto Rico

EW2018: Puerto Rico increased the length of the maximum probationary period for permanent employees, decreased the wage premium for overtime and weekly holiday work, decreased the mandatory paid annual leave and established severance payments for all employees wrongfully made redundant.

Romania

EW2012: Romania increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and also decreased the severance pay applicable in case of redundancy dismissal of employees.

EW2008: Romania increased the severance payments applicable in redundancy dismissals.

Rwanda

EW2020: Rwanda changed regulations pertaining to weekly rest, working hours, severance payments and reemployment priority rules after redundancy dismissals.

EW2010: Rwanda increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and eliminated the obligation to notify and seek the approval of a third party in cases of redundancy dismissals.

São Tomé and Príncipe

EW2017: São Tomé and Príncipe adopted a minimum wage for the private sector.

Saudi Arabia

EW2017: Saudi Arabia increased the length of the notice period for redundancy dismissals.

Serbia

EW2010: Serbia introduced priority rules applying to redundancy dismissals or layoffs.

Singapore

EW2018: Singapore adopted legislation that requires employers with more than 10 employees to notify the Ministry of Manpower if five or more employees are retrenched within any six-month period.

Slovak Republic

EW2020: Slovak Republic increased wage premiums for work performed during days of weekly rest and at night.

EW2019: The Slovak Republic changed regulation pertaining to premiums for work on day of weekly rest and night work.

EW2014: The Slovak Republic reduced the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts, reintroduced the requirement for third-party notification when terminating an employee, reintroduced mandatory severance pay for workers with more than 2 years of service in the company and increased the minimum wage.

EW2013: The Slovak Republic increased the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts, eliminated notification requirements to third parties in case of redundancy dismissals and reduced redundancy costs.

EW2011: Slovak Republic reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts.

Slovenia

EW2014: Slovenia abolished priority rules for reemployment, introduced priority rules for massive redundancy dismissals, and changed notice period and severance pay provisions for redundancy dismissals.

EW2009: Slovenia decreased the notice period applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

EW2008: Slovenia reduced the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts.

South Africa

EW2020: South Africa introduced a national minimum wage.

South Sudan

EW2019: South Sudan introduced a new Labor Act which modified the rules on working hours, leave benefits and severance payments.

Spain

EW2014: Spain reduced the maximum cumulative duration of fixed-term contracts and increased the minimum wage.

EW2013: Spain temporarily allowed unlimited duration of fixed-term contracts.

EW2011: Spain reduced the notice period applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Suriname

EW2020: Suriname changed regulations pertaining to fixed-term contracts.

Sweden

EW2009: Sweden reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts.

Switzerland

EW2008: Switzerland allowed the workweek to extend to 50 hours (including overtime) for 2 months a year in response to a seasonal increase in production.

Syrian Arab Republic

EW2011: Syria eliminated the severance payment obligation but increased the notice period applicable in case of redundancy dismissals. Implemented a 100% pay premium for weekly holiday work and decreased the total term limit of fixed-term contracts.

Taiwan, China

EW2018: Taiwan, China, adopted legislation that increased the number of mandatory paid annual leave days and the number of weekly rest days.

Tajikistan

EW2018: Tajikistan changed rules pertaining severance payments, introduced the requirement to obtain the approval of a third party before dismissing one, and a group of 9 redundant employees, and abolished restrictions on night work for non-pregnant women and non-nursing mothers.

Timor-Leste

EW2013: Timor-Leste reduced the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts and also introduced a wage premium for night work.

Togo

EW2013: Togo increased the wage premium for weekly holiday work and the severance payment in cases of redundancy dismissal.

EW2008: Togo prohibited the use of fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks.

Uganda

EW2008: Uganda eliminated restrictions on working on the weekly rest day and introduced a requirement for third-party notification for collective dismissals.

United Arab Emirates

EW2017: The United Arab Emirates reduced the duration of a single fixed-term contract from 48 to 24 month.

EW2008: The United Arab Emirates abolished the requirement for severance payments.

United Kingdom

EW2014: United Kingdom increased the cap on weekly wage provided to employees on the severance payment and the minimum wage.

EW2013: The United Kingdom increased redundancy costs of the severance pay applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

EW2012: United Kingdom increased the severance payment obligation applicable in cases of redundancy dismissals.

EW2010: The United Kingdom increased mandatory paid annual leave.

EW2009: The United Kingdom increased the mandatory paid annual leave.

United States

EW2019: The United States (New York City) changed regulations pertaining to parental leave.

EW2018: The United States – Los Angeles increased the maximum paid days of sick leave a year.

Vanuatu

EW2011: Vanuatu increased mandatory annual leave and severance pay applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.

Venezuela, RB

EW2013: República Bolivariana de Venezuela introduced a new Labor Code that prohibits redundancy dismissals.

Vietnam

EW2014: Vietnam abolished priority rules for redundancy dismissals or layoffs and increased the minimum wage.

West Bank and Gaza

EW2014: West Bank and Gaza introduced a minimum wage.

Zambia

EW2017: Zambia eliminated fixed-term contracts for permanent tasks.

EW2008: Zambia increased mandatory paid annual leave.

Zimbabwe

EW2017: Zimbabwe reduced severance payments and introduced stricter rules governing fixed-term contracts.

EW2011: Zimbabwe reduced the severance payment obligation applicable in case of redundancy dismissals.