Aveiro

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Employment Laws

Sections

Employment Laws in Aveiro, Portugal

1. Working Hours

  • Standard Workweek: 40 hours per week, typically 8 hours per day.
  • Overtime: Overtime is paid at a rate of 125% for the first hour and 150% for subsequent hours.
  • Rest Periods: Employees are entitled to a minimum of 11 consecutive hours of rest between workdays and a minimum of 24 hours of rest per week.

2. Minimum Wage

  • Current Minimum Wage: As of 2023, the national minimum wage is €760 per month (14 payments per year).
  • Sector-Specific Wages: Some sectors may have higher minimum wages based on collective agreements.

3. Contracts

  • Types of Contracts:
    • Permanent Contracts: Indefinite duration, providing job security.
    • Fixed-Term Contracts: For specific projects or time periods, must be justified.
  • Probation Period: Up to 90 days for permanent contracts; up to 30 days for fixed-term contracts.
  • Written Contracts: Required for all employment agreements, detailing job description, salary, and working conditions.

4. Employee Rights

  • Paid Leave:
    • Annual leave: 22 working days per year.
    • Sick leave: Paid at 100% for the first 30 days, then 75% thereafter.
  • Parental Leave:
    • Maternity leave: 120 to 150 days, with a portion paid by social security.
    • Paternity leave: 20 days, with 5 days mandatory.
  • Anti-Discrimination: Protection against discrimination based on gender, race, age, disability, and sexual orientation.

5. Employer Obligations

  • Social Security Contributions: Employers must contribute 23.75% of the employee's gross salary to social security.
  • Health and Safety: Employers are required to ensure a safe working environment and comply with health regulations.
  • Training and Development: Employers should provide training opportunities and support employee development.

6. Costs

  • Hiring Costs: Include recruitment expenses, social security contributions, and potential training costs.
  • Termination Costs: Severance pay is required for dismissals without just cause, typically calculated based on the employee's length of service.

7. Procedures

  • Hiring Process:
    • Job advertisement, interviews, and selection.
    • Signing a written contract before the employee starts work.
  • Termination Process:
    • Written notice required, with specific notice periods based on length of service (e.g., 15 days for less than 6 months, up to 60 days for over 2 years).

8. Local Considerations

  • Cultural Aspects:
    • Emphasis on work-life balance; employees value time off and family commitments.
    • Importance of informal communication and relationship-building in the workplace.
  • Language: While Portuguese is the official language, English is commonly spoken in many workplaces, especially in tourism and international companies.

9. Resources

  • Local Labor Office: For assistance with employment regulations and disputes.
  • Legal Advice: Consider consulting a labor lawyer for specific cases or complex situations.

This structured overview provides essential information for navigating employment laws in Aveiro, Portugal, whether you are an employee or an employer.