OVERTIME WORK – Employees’ Rights in North Macedonia
It is not true that workers in Macedonia are not productive, and that is not the reason they work more than 40 hours per week. Overtime work is not a phenomenon unique to Macedonia, but it is a phenomenon that is often not properly valued. Employees frequently do not know that they have a legal right to compensation for every hour of overtime worked, as well as an additional bonus if they exceed 150 hours in a year. According to the Law on Labor Relations (consolidated text 2023), these rights are clearly defined and mandatory for the employer.
What counts as overtime work?
Overtime work is any work performed beyond full working hours (usually 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week). The employer may require overtime in the following cases:
- exceptional increase in the volume of work;
- continuation of the business or production process;
- removal of defects in equipment;
- ensuring the safety of people, property, and traffic;
- other cases provided by law or collective agreement.
Work exceeding 40 hours per week must be paid as overtime, while strictly respecting daily and weekly rest periods.
How long can overtime last?
The legal limits are strict:
- maximum 8 hours per week;
- maximum 190 hours per year;
- the average over any three-month period must not exceed 8 hours per week.
Exceptions apply to specific processes or projects of strategic national importance (with the employee’s written consent). Certain categories (Ministry of Interior, National Security Agency, etc.) are allowed more hours with consent.
Compensation for overtime work
For each overtime hour, you are entitled to an additional payment. According to the General Collective Agreement for the private sector, the minimum supplement is +35% of the basic hourly wage. This supplement is paid in addition to the regular salary and must be separately stated in the monthly payslip.
Bonus for exceeding 150 hours per year – extra salary!
If, during one calendar year, you work more than 150 overtime hours and you have not been absent from work for more than 21 working days with the same employer (annual leave days are not counted), you are entitled to a bonus equal to one average monthly salary in the Republic of North Macedonia (Article 117, paragraph 4). This bonus is paid in addition to the regular overtime supplement!
Employer’s obligations
The employer must:
- keep a separate record of overtime hours;
- include the overtime hours in the monthly salary calculation;
- notify the regional State Labor Inspector in writing of every instance of introducing overtime work.
Failure to comply exposes the employer to fines and court proceedings.
How to exercise your rights – practical steps from Anevski Partners
- Keep your own records – save proof of entry/exit times, emails, messages, or any confirmation from the employer.
- Check your payslip – if the overtime supplement or bonus is missing, request a written explanation from the employer.
- Contact the State Labor Inspectorate – they can carry out an inspection and order correction.
- Court proceedings – if the issue is not resolved, our partner lawyers will prepare a lawsuit for collection of unpaid compensations (including interest and court costs). The statute of limitations is usually 3 years.
At Anevski Partners we offer individual consultations, case analysis, preparation of documentation, and representation before the Labor Inspectorate or in court. Our partner lawyers have successful experience in labor disputes and will guide you step by step to receive all the money you are entitled to.
Do not allow your hard-earned money to be withheld! Contact us at contact@anevski-partners.com or through the form on our website for a free initial consultation. Together we will protect your rights arising from the employment relationship.
Anevski Partners – your trusted partner in labor law.
