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Buenos Aires


 At Work


Work Usage


In September 2005 the minimum wage in Argentina was raised from AR$ 350 to AR$ 450/month. The average wage in Argentina in 2005 was AR$ 539/month. The amount of wage varies according to the level of education you have. Many people in Argentina work without having a contract, they earn on average AR$ 305/month. Average wage levels vary according to geographical location. In 2004, the averages for the city of Buenos Aires (AR$ 881.5) 

The legal maximum work period is 8 hours/day and 48 hours/week. However, the regular work week cannot exceed 44 hours/week for daily work, 42 hours/week for night work or 36 hours/week where work is performed in hazardous conditions. Work is normally not permitted on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, although there are exceptions for certain occupations. Overtime rate is 50 percent extra, for work performed from Monday until 1 PM on Saturdays, and 100 percent extra for work performed on Saturday afternoons, on Sundays and on public holidays.

Any worker aged over 18 has the right to earn the minimum wage. This is set by collective agreement, which varies depending on the occupation and industry. In addition to regular pay, an employee is entitled to a bonus ( aguinaldo) equalling one month's pay per year. It is calculated on the basis of the annual average pay; half is paid in June and the other half in December.

The LCT (Ley de Contrato de Trabajo/Law on Contract Employment) regulates employment contracts, rights, employer/employee obligations and wage protection. Contracts of employment are generally signed for an unlimited time-period. Fixed-term contracts are allowed but have to be written and cannot exceed a period of 5 years. Contracts for work for an undetermined duration are also possible, as are contracts for internships.

An employee must give 15 days notice to terminate a contract. The required notice for an employer varies based on the employee's length of service.

Employees with at least six months of service with the same employer over a single calendar year are entitled to paid leave, depending on the workers seniority: it is:

It is forbidden in Argentina to force female employees to work between a period of 45 days before and 45 days after childbirth.

Public holidays in Argentina


29/05/2009

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