Senate Labor Committee approves in general the bill creating the hourly contract

Pulso With this approval, the project continues its processing in that legislative instance for its specific analysis. May 6, 2025 Construction, Workers, employment, cement. Photo: Andres Perez Andres Perez Comments A breakthrough occurred in the government's labor agenda. The Senate Labor Commission approved in general the bill that establishes a new hourly contractual modality with a maximum of 30 hours per week or 120 monthly. According to explanations from the Ministry of Labor, the objective of the proposal "is to offer a regulated contractual alternative in activities where demand fluctuates and where informal modalities or those with lower levels of protection currently predominate, such as commerce, services, gastronomy, and events." At the same time, they maintain that "the goal is to open a path to formal employment for those who require greater scheduling flexibility, such as young people and women who balance studies or care responsibilities with work." From the Ministry of Labor, they maintain that the proposal is built on three principles: predictability of schedules, minimum income certainty, and adaptability with protection. With this approval, the project continues its processing in the Senate's Labor and Social Security Commission, where it will soon be discussed and voted on specifically. Project axes Among the central axes, a contract of up to 30 hours per week or 120 monthly is created, with flexible distribution and hourly remuneration not lower than the hourly value of the minimum wage. It can be indefinite, fixed-term, or for a specific job or task. The worker receives 75% of the value of the agreed-upon hours that are not called. If a call is canceled or modified with less than 72 hours' notice, 100% of those hours is paid. A prior notice of at least 72 hours and minimum shifts of 3 continuous hours are also required. Calls outside the agreed-upon conditions are voluntary and cannot generate sanctions for refusal. The right to a minimum rest of 12 continuous hours in every 24-hour period is guaranteed, maintaining the general rules of the Labor Code, and a break for lunch (if services are provided for at least 5 continuous hours). It is also prohibited to agree to exclusivity clauses, allowing work for different employers or the development of independent activities. The regulation also requires a record of calls, acceptances, rejections, modifications, and hours worked, available for inspection by the Directorate of Labor. More on: Employment Labor Market NEWSLETTER Pulso PM Monday to Friday, 12:30 PM The most relevant in markets, companies, and business: timely information, context, and content to make better decisions. By subscribing, you are accepting the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policies of La Tercera.