Weekly Rest (Industry) Convention, 1921 (No. 14) - Bolivia (Plurinational State of) (Ratification: 1954)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2025, published 114th ILC session (2026)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on working time, the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 1 (hours of work), 14 (weekly rest (industry)), 30 (hours of work (commerce and offices)), 89 (night work (women)) and 106 (weekly rest (commerce and offices)) together.

Hours of work

Articles 3 and 6(1)(b) and (2) of Convention No. 1 and Article 7(2) and (3) of Convention No. 30. Temporary exceptions. Limits and circumstances. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 50 of the General Labour Act (LGT) of 1942, which gives the labour inspectorate the authority to allow up to two additional hours of work per day at the employer’s request, does not specify the circumstances in which exceptions to the maximum limits of eight hours per day and 48 hours per week may be made. The Committee recalls that temporary exceptions to normal hours of work are authorized in the Conventions in very limited cases and well-circumscribed cases (General Survey of 2018 concerning working-time instruments, para. 109). The Committee also notes that the above-mentioned section does not establish the maximum number of additional hours of work allowed per year, as required by Article 7(3) of Convention No. 30. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that: (i) temporary exceptions to normal hours of work are limited to the cases provided for in Articles 3 and 6(1)(b) of Convention No. 1 and Article 7(2) of Convention No. 30; and (ii) the legislation establishes the number of additional hours of work which may be allowed per year in respect of temporary exceptions.

Article 6(1)(a) of Convention No. 1 and Article 7(1)(a) of Convention No. 30. Permanent exceptions. Intermittent work. The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to determine the categories of workers whose work is intermittent that are subject to the exception established in section 46 of the LGT.

Weekly rest

Article 4 of Convention No. 14 and Article 8 of Convention No. 106. Temporary exemptions. Circumstances. The Committee notes that section 7(z) of the Regulatory Decree of 30 August 1927 allows the National Department of Labour (now the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Welfare) to authorize work on Sundays in temporary circumstances that must be taken advantage of. The Committee also notes that section 42 of the LGT allows occasional work on public holidays in town centres far from capital cities. In this regard, the Committee recalls that, under Article 8 of Convention No. 106, temporary exemptions may only be authorized: (a) in case of accident, force majeure or urgent work; (b) in the event of abnormal pressure of work due to special circumstances; and (c) in order to prevent the loss of perishable goods. The Committee therefore requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that temporary exemptions to the general rule of 24 hours of weekly rest are limited to what is strictly necessary and are authorized under clearly defined conditions.

Article 5 of Convention No. 14 and Article 8(3) of Convention No. 106. Compensatory rest. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that section 31 of the Regulations implementing the General Labour Act (RLGT), adopted by Supreme Decree No. 224 of 23 August 1943, provides that workers who have worked on public holidays shall be entitled, at the employer’s discretion, to compensatory rest on another day of the same week or be paid double the regular wage. The Committee observed that this section is not in conformity with the Articles of the Conventions which require, in the event of exceptions to the principle of weekly rest, the granting of effective compensatory rest of at least 24 consecutive hours. The Committee notes the Government’s indication in its report that, as part of the process to review and update the current labour legislation, an analysis is being conducted, with the participation of the social partners, to assess the amendment of section 31 of the RLGT. The Committee firmly hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to ensure that, in the event of exceptions to the principle of weekly rest, all workers are entitled to compensatory rest of at least 24 consecutive hours for each period of seven days, irrespective of any financial compensation, in accordance with the Conventions. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the progress made in this regard.

Article 2 of Conventions Nos 1 and 14, Article 3 of Convention No. 30 and Article 6 of Convention No.106. Daily and weekly limits on hours of work. Minimum period of weekly rest. Civil servants. The Committee notes that, according to section 46 of Act No. 2027 of 1999 establishing the Civil Service Statute, the hours of work of civil servants shall be established in accordance with the specific special regulations for each administrative organization system. In this regard, the Committee notes that, according to section 18 of Supreme Decree No. 25.749 of 24 April 2000, adopting the partial implementing regulations of Act No. 2027, the working day of civil servants is regulated by the starting and finishing times determined by each entity in its internal regulations in accordance with its specific needs. The Committee requests the Government to specify the provisions of the national legislation (regulation number, provision number and content) that ensure that civil servants’ normal hours of work do not exceed eight hours per day and 48 hours per week, as well as a rest period comprising not less than 24 hours for each period of seven days.

Night work

Articles 2 and 3 of Convention No. 89. Prohibition of night work for women. The Committee notes that, under sections 46 and 60 of the LGT, women may only work during the day, with the exception of nursing, domestic service and other types of work to be determined. The Committee recalls that protective measures applicable to women’s employment at night which go beyond maternity protection and are based on stereotyped perceptions regarding women’s professional abilities and role in society, violate the principle of equality of opportunity and treatment between men and women (2018 General Survey concerning working-time instruments, para. 545). The Committee therefore recalls that the denunciation window for Convention No. 89 will be open from 27 February 2031 to 27 February 2032.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Article 5 of the Convention. Compensatory rest. The Committee requests the Government to refer to the comments made under Article 8(3) of the Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1957 (No. 106).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Article 5 of the Convention. Compensatory rest. Further to its previous comments concerning section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 regulating the General Labour Act, which applies to all workers except agricultural workers, the Committee requests the Government to refer to its comments concerning Article 8(3) of the Weekly Rest (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1957 (No. 106).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Government is requesting the Office’s technical and logistical assistance. It recalls that a draft Labour Code was completed with the assistance of the International Labour Office in 1988–1990. The Committee invites the Government to approach the Regional Office in Lima to examine the details of any further technical cooperation.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

Article 5 of the Convention. The Government indicated in its last report that no progress had been made at the legislative level in guaranteeing compensatory periods of rest for workers employed on the weekly rest day. The Committee recalls that Article 5 of the Convention provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Act) allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. The Committee is bound to highlight with regret that since 1966 the Government has been indicating that amendments to the Labour Act will bring the national legislation into conformity with Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that despite its numerous direct requests and observations for the past 34 years, the Government mentioned in its last report that the amendment of the General Labour Act is under preparation and will be completed within a “reasonable period”. The Committee urges the Government to continue its tripartite consultations and to take all the necessary measures to bring section 31 of Decree No. 244 (regulation issued under the General Labour Act) into conformity with the Convention. It hopes that new legislation will be adopted in the near future and requests the Government to indicate any progress made in this respect and to provide a copy of the relevant text once it has been adopted.

The Committee is also addressing a request directly to the Government on certain matters.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Article 5 of the Convention. Further to its observation on the same Convention, the Committee notes that the Government is requesting the Office’s technical and logistical assistance. It recalls that a draft Labour Code was completed with the assistance of the International Labour Office in 1988-1990. The Committee invites the Government to approach the Regional Office in Lima to examine the details of any further technical cooperation.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

Article 5 of the Convention. In reply to the Committee’s previous observation, the Government indicates in its report received in September 2003 that no progress has been made at the legislative level in guaranteeing compensatory periods of rest for workers employed on the weekly rest day. In the absence of any progress, the Committee is bound to repeat its previous observation, which read as follows:

The Committee recalls that Article 5 of the Convention provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Act) allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. The Committee is bound to highlight with regret that since 1966 the Government has been indicating that amendments to the Labour Act will bring the national legislation into conformity with Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that despite its numerous direct requests and observations for the past 34 years, the Government mentioned in its last report that the amendment of the General Labour Act is under preparation and will be completed within a "reasonable period".

The Committee urges the Government to continue its tripartite consultations and to take all the necessary measures to bring section 31 of Decree No. 244 (regulation issued under the General Labour Act) into conformity with the Convention in the near future. It hopes that new legislation will be adopted in the near future and requests the Government to indicate any progress made in this respect and to provide a copy of the relevant text once it has been adopted.

The Committee is also addressing a request directly to the Government on certain matters.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report. Referring to its observation of 1998 the Committee notes the information supplied in particular about possible agreements between employers and workers to grant compensatory rest in accordance with Article 5 of the Convention.

Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee recalls that Article 5 of the Convention provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law) allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. The Committee must highlight with regret that since 1966 the Government indicates that amendments to the Labour Law will provide new regulations to bring the national legislation into conformity with Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes that despite its numerous direct requests and observations during the last 34 years, the Government mentioned in its last report that the amendment of the General Labour Law is under preparation and will be finished within a "reasonable period". The Committee reiterates its hope that the Government will make every effort to adopt the necessary measures in the very near future. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted compensatory rest. It requests the Government to continue to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text, when it is adopted.

Part VI of the report form. The Committee further notes that in the last report no information was supplied whether the report has been communicated to representative organizations of employers and workers and whether any observations have been received from these organizations.

The Committee requests the Government to supply full information on this point, as requested in the report form and article 23, paragraph 2, of the ILO Constitution.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1998, published 87th ILC session (1999)

The Committee notes the indications contained in the Government's response to its previous comments and, in particular, the Government's statement to the effect that it will duly take into account the Committee's comment, in particular in respect of the application of Convention No. 14, during its revision of the General Labour Law. The Committee trusts the Government will provide full information in its next report in respect of the questions raised in the Committee's previous observation which read follows:

In earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law), an employer may grant to a worker, in the event of work on the weekly rest day, either compensatory rest or compensatory remuneration. In a report received in February 1991, the Government indicated that the General Labour Law was in the process of revision with the technical assistance of the ILO. In its report for 1994 on the application of several Conventions, including Convention No. 14, the Government indicates there have been no legislative changes.

The Committee must recall that Article 5 of the Convention provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible, with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted a compensatory rest. It requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text when it is adopted.

The Committee also requests the Government to refer to the comments that it has made under Convention No. 106.

The Committee again reiterates its hope that the Government will make every effort to adopt the necessary measures in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

In earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law), an employer may grant to a worker, in the event of work on the weekly rest day, either compensatory rest or compensatory remuneration. In a report received in February 1991, the Government indicated that the General Labour Law was in the process of revision with the technical assistance of the ILO. In its report for 1994 on the application of several Conventions, including Convention No. 14, the Government indicates there have been no legislative changes. The Committee must recall that Article 5 of the Convention provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible, with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted a compensatory rest. It requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text when it is adopted. The Committee also requests the Government to refer to the comments that it has made under Convention No. 106.

The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

In earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law), an employer may grant to a worker, in the event of work on the weekly rest day, either compensatory rest or compensatory remuneration. In a report received in February 1991, the Government indicated that the General Labour Law was in the process of revision with the technical assistance of the ILO. In its report for 1994 on the application of several Conventions, including Convention No. 14, the Government indicates there have been no legislative changes. The Committee must recall that Article 5 of the Convention, provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible, with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted a compensatory rest. It requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text when it is adopted. The Committee also requests the Government to refer to the comments that it has made under Convention No. 106.

The Committee again expresses the hope that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

In earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law), an employer may grant to a worker, in the event of work on the weekly rest day, either compensatory rest or compensatory remuneration. In a report received in February 1991, the Government indicated that the General Labour Law was in the process of revision with the technical assistance of the ILO. In its report for 1994 on the application of several Conventions, including Convention No. 14, the Government indicates there have been no legislative changes.

The Committee must recall that Article 5 of the Convention, provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible, with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted a compensatory rest. It requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text when it is adopted.

The Committee also requests the Government to refer to the comments that it has made under Convention No. 106.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:

In earlier comments, the Committee noted that under section 31 of Decree No. 244 of 1943 (a regulation issued under the General Labour Law), an employer may grant to a worker, in the event of work on the weekly rest day, either compensatory rest or compensatory remuneration. In a report received in February 1991, the Government indicated that the General Labour Law was in the process of revision with the technical assistance of the ILO. In its report for 1994 on the application of several Conventions, including Convention No. 14, the Government indicates there have been no legislative changes. The Committee must recall that Article 5 of the Convention, provides for, as far as possible, compensatory periods of rest in cases where exceptions have been made regarding the right to weekly rest. In this regard, the Committee once again points out that section 31 of Decree No. 244 allows more latitude to the employer than is envisaged under the Convention. It hopes that the new legislation will be adopted as soon as possible, with a provision to ensure that workers employed on a weekly rest day are granted a compensatory rest. It requests the Government to indicate the progress achieved in this respect and to supply a copy of the relevant text when it is adopted. The Committee also requests the Government to refer to the comments that it has made under Convention No. 106.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.