The short version
- The standard work week must not exceed 48 hours, excluding overtime.
- Workers must get at least one rest day after every six consecutive days worked.
- Overtime must be voluntary, capped at 12 hours per week, and not requested regularly.
Under the SA8000: 2014 Standard, the rules governing working hours, overtime, and rest periods are defined across Element 7 (Working Hours), Element 8 (Remuneration), and Element 1 (Child Labour / Young Workers):
Normal Working Hours and Rest Periods
- Legal and Industry Standards: Organisations must comply with applicable national laws, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and prevailing industry standards regarding working hours, breaks, and public holidays.
- Standard Work Week: The normal work week, excluding overtime, is defined by law but shall not exceed 48 hours.
- Mandatory Rest Days: Workers must be provided with at least one day off following every six consecutive days of work.
- Rest Day Exceptions: Exceptions to the weekly rest day rule apply only when both of the following conditions exist:
- National law permits work time exceeding this limit; and
- A freely negotiated CBA is in force that allows work time averaging, including adequate rest periods.
Overtime Rules and Limits
- Voluntary Nature: Overtime work must be voluntary.
- Weekly Overtime Cap: Overtime shall not exceed 12 hours per week.
- Non-Regular Request: Overtime shall not be requested on a regular basis.
- Mandatory Overtime Exception: Overtime may be required only to meet short-term business demand when the organisation is party to a freely negotiated CBA representing a significant portion of its workforce.
Overtime Premium Pay
- Premium Rates: All overtime must be reimbursed at a premium rate defined by national law or an applicable CBA.
- Default Premium Rates: Where premium rates are not regulated by law or a CBA, workers must be compensated at the organisation's premium rate or prevailing industry standards, whichever is higher.
Special Working Hour Rules for Young Workers
- Daily Work Cap: Young workers (under 18 years of age) shall not work more than 8 hours a day.
- Combined Limit: Total combined time spent on school, work, and transportation shall not exceed 10 hours per day, and work must occur strictly outside compulsory school hours.
- Night Hours Prohibition: Young workers may not work during night hours.
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