Breaks and rest periods
You have the right to take breaks during working hours. The Working Hours Act and collective agreements determine the minimum duration of breaks. The employer must comply with the provisions on breaks and rest periods laid down in the Working Hours Act and the collective agreement.
Meal break
A meal break is a break during your workday allowing you to eat and rest. If your shift lasts at least 6 hours, you are entitled to a meal break of at least half an hour (30 minutes).
Usually, shifts lasting less than 6 hours do not include a meal break. The meal break does not usually count as working hours, which means that no pay is paid for its duration.
Coffee break
A coffee break usually lasts 10–15 minutes. You will usually also be entitled to a coffee break if your shift lasts less than 6 hours. Coffee breaks are part of your working hours, which means that you will be paid for the time.
Daily rest period
The daily rest period means that you have the right to rest between shifts, usually for at least 11 hours. In period-based work, the daily rest period is at least 9 hours.
Weekly free time
‘Weekly free time’ means that you are entitled to rest longer between work shifts once a week. Usually, the weekly free time is at least 35 hours. Sometimes it may be shorter, but it must always be at least 24 hours.
The employer is not allowed to disturb you during your weekly free time, which means that you cannot be asked to work during it. If possible, the day off must be a Sunday.