Jornada laboral, meaning "working day" or "work shift," refers to the legally defined maximum working hours in Latin American countries. Each country sets limits on daily and weekly hours, distinguishes between daytime and nighttime shifts, and mandates minimum rest periods. These rules directly affect payroll calculations and overtime obligations.
Standard Hours by Country
Mexico: 48 hours/week for daytime (8 hours/day), 42 for nighttime (7 hours/day), 45 for mixed shifts. Brazil: 44 hours/week (8 hours/day + 4 hours Saturday). Argentina: 48 hours/week (8 hours/day). Colombia: 42 hours/week (reduced from 48 through gradual reform reaching 42 by 2026). Chile: 40 hours/week (reduced from 45 through gradual reform). Peru: 48 hours/week (8 hours/day).
Rest Requirements
All Latin American countries require at least one full day of rest per week, preferably Sunday. Most mandate a minimum lunch break of 30 minutes to one hour during the workday. Night shift workers generally receive shorter maximum hours to compensate for the physical demands of overnight work.
EOR Relevance
An EOR ensures compliance with each country's jornada laboral rules, properly classifies shift types for payroll purposes, tracks hours to identify overtime, and applies the correct overtime premium rates. The EOR also monitors ongoing reforms (like Colombia and Chile's gradual hour reductions) and adjusts policies accordingly.