The Recent Amendments Made to the Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia

By Armen Melkumyan

On March 05, 2023, the National Assembly adopted significant amendments and additions to the RA Labor Code, which were enacted on July 31, 2023. Out of the 266 articles in the Labor Code, 122 were amended. These changes are crucial for employees and employers alike, addressing various aspects of labor rights and working conditions. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the major recent amendments:

Expanded Labor Rights for Vulnerable Groups

1. Reduced Working Hours for MinorsThe working hours for individuals under 18 have been reduced. Specifically, for those aged 14-15, working hours are now capped at 12 hours per week, down from the previous 24 hours. Additionally, minors can only work outside compulsory education hours.
2. Flexibility for Employees with Young ChildrenEmployees caring for children under two years old can now work reduced hours, a right previously available only to those with children under one year.Mothers with children under two can take an additional break of at least half an hour every three hours. This extends the previous entitlement, which applied to mothers of children under one and a half years. They have removed the requirement for feeding puppies during these breaks.
3. Protection for Former ServicemenIn case of staff reductions, former servicemen with disability pensions, those with significant functional limitations, or family members of deceased or missing servicemen have a preferential right to retain their jobs.
4. Employment Contracts for RetireesEmployers can now offer indefinite contracts to individuals who have reached retirement age. Previously, such contracts were only available for a specific period.

Clarifications on Annual Paid Leave

1. Employer-Initiated LeaveEmployers can now grant annual paid leave to employees who evade or refuse leave for two and a half consecutive years, even without an employee’s application.
2. Early Annual LeaveIf agreed upon by both parties, employees can take their annual leave within six months of starting their duties, unlike the previous rule, which required waiting until the end of the sixth month.
3. Study LeaveEmployees can now take up to two years of study leave, during which the employer must keep their position available for their return.

Introduction of the Internship Institute

The amendments introduced clear regulations for internships, ensuring interns receive compensation throughout their probation period. This formalizes the legal relations related to student internships and other forms of on-the-job training.

Relaxed Strike Regulations

The amendments have relaxed the requirement for declaring a strike. Now, employees can declare a strike with the consent of 50 percent, instead of a majority.

These amendments represent a significant shift in the RA Labor Code, providing better protection and more flexibility for workers while clarifying employer obligations. Both employees and employers must familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and take full advantage of the new provisions.

Stay informed and ensure your workplace is up to date with the latest labor laws. For more detailed information, consult a legal expert or review the full text of the amendments.

Need guidance? 360 Business Law is here to help you navigate these changes. Contact us today!