Venezuela

Employment Contracts

Employments contracts can be either in verbal or written format, fixed- or indefinite-term. It is advisable to have all contracts in writing. A written contract will contain the following specifications:

• Identification of the parties
• The date the employee will begin work
• Description of the position
• Duration (if for a fixed-term)
• Working hours and details
• Base salary and any other allowances the employee will receive
• Workplace
• Any other terms or conditions of employment

There is no statutory probation period in Venezuela. However, an employer can dismiss an employee with no justification during the first 30 days of services, which is generally considered the acceptable probationary period.

Public Holidays

The following days are established holidays in Venezuela:

• Sundays
• Jan. 1, Monday and Tuesday of Carnival, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday
• National Feast Days
• Holidays declared by the National Government, states, or municipalities (up to a total of three per year)

National Feasts as follows:

• Declaration of Independence
• Battle of Carabobo
• Independence Day
• Simon Bolivar’s Birthday
• Indigenous Resistance Day

Compensation

Employees are entitled to a seniority bonus any may receive other types of bonuses as part of their compensation package. Individual or collective bargaining agreements may specify the terms of any bonuses to employees.

Working Hours

The standard work period is generally eight hours a day and 40 hours a week, over five days. Work hours are reduced for employees that perform work at night. Employees are entitled to two days of rest per week. Overtime is allowed, with permission, but cannot exceed two hours a day, 10 hours a week and 100 hour a year. Employees are entitled to extra pay for working overtime hours.

Vacation Leave

In addition to public holidays, employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid annual leave after 12 months of uninterrupted service and an additional day for every completed year of service up to 30 working days a year.

Sick Leave

Employees receive three days of sick leave that are paid by the employer, and from the fourth day, the employees receive 66.7% of their salary up to 52 weeks from social security.

Maternity / Paternity Leave

Female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave for the birth of a child. Up to six weeks of maternity leave can be taken before the birth, with the remaining taken after the child is born.

Fathers can take up to 14 days of leave after the birth of a child. This leave can be extended if the mother is ill or dies, the child is ill or for the birth of twins or multiples.

Employment Termination / Severance

Employees are entitled to job security in Venezuela. Employee dismissals must be submitted to the appropriate labor judge to determine the legality of the termination. Dismissal without cause required notice of between one week and one month depending on the employee’s length of service. Special rules also apply to redundancy dismissals.

Health Insurance Benefits

Venezuela provides a universal social security system.