Complete Guide to Overtime Pay in Guatemala
How is Overtime Paid?
According to Articles 121-122 of Guatemala's Labor Code, overtime hours are paid at a 50% premium over the regular hourly rate (1.5x).
Overtime pay per hour = Regular hourly rate × 1.5
Work Schedules in Guatemala
| Schedule | Hours | Per Day | Per Week | |----------|-------|---------|----------| | Day shift | 6AM - 6PM | 8 hours | 44 hours | | Night shift | 6PM - 6AM | 6 hours | 36 hours | | Mixed shift | Combined | 7 hours | 42 hours |
Overtime Limits
- Total daily hours cannot exceed 12 hours
- Overtime must be voluntary
- Exception: emergencies or force majeure (Art. 122)
Employers cannot force workers to do overtime, except in duly justified emergency situations.
What Counts as Overtime?
Extraordinary time includes:
- All time worked beyond the regular schedule
- Work on rest days (Sundays or holidays)
- Rest days worked are paid at double rate
Overtime is not included in the calculation of aguinaldo, bono 14, or vacation pay. It's only considered for severance pay calculation.
Yes. Overtime is voluntary by law, and refusing does not constitute grounds for dismissal.