Chilean Labor Directorate clarifies mandatory rest periods

The Chilean Labor Directorate (Dirección del Trabajo) has clarified the regulations regarding rest periods between work shifts. According to the agency, the minimum rest period must be equivalent to the duration of the previous workday. For example, an employee who works an 8-hour shift is entitled to at least 8 hours of rest before starting their next shift.

This measure aims to ensure workers have sufficient time to recover energy. Currently, under the gradual implementation of the 40-hour law, the ordinary workweek in Chile cannot exceed 42 hours, and a standard workday generally cannot exceed 10 hours, barring specific legal exceptions.