Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes the entry into force of the Labour Code 2000, which amended the provisions regulating hours of work. Section 126 of the Code allows for the calculation of the hours of work on an aggregate basis. The reference period for calculating the hours of work is left up to the agreement and may be used by any organization required to work without interruption. The Committee draws the attention of the Government to Recommendation No. 116 on the reduction of working hours, 1962, which provides for the calculation of normal average hours of work; however, only in cases where "special conditions in certain branches of activity or technical needs justify it" (Paragraph 12). It should in fact be restricted to exceptional cases where the nature of the work, technical reasons or seasonal variations and periodic pressure of work make it necessary. In the light of these indications, the Committee hopes that the Government will take account of the provisions of the Recommendation and ensure that section 126 of the Labour Code is applied accordingly.

Part V of the report form. The Committee requests the Government to supply in the next report extracts from the reports of the inspection services and particulars of the number and nature of contraventions reported with regard to hours worked in excess of the 40-hour week, and any available statistical information.