Labour Ministry Weighs Major Shift toward New 40 Hour Standard Working Week

The Mauritian government has officially opened discussions regarding the introduction of a 40-hour work week, marking a potential shift in the nation’s employment landscape.

Reza Uteem, the Minister of Labour, confirmed on Thursday that the proposal was a primary focus during the inaugural session of the National Tripartite Council (NTC).

The move is being considered as part of a broader review of national labour standards.

Expanding Legal Protections

Beyond the reduction of standard working hours, the Council is also debating a significant reform to the Workers’ Rights Act.

The proposed changes would extend the Act’s legal protections to employees earning more than Rs 50,000 per month—a group currently excluded from certain provisions of the legislation.

Official Announcement

The updates were shared by Minister Uteem via a statement on his official Facebook page following the conclusion of the first working session.

The NTC, which brings together representatives from government, trade unions, and the private sector, serves as the formal platform for negotiating these potential statutory changes.

While no definitive timeline for implementation has been set, the inclusion of these items on the Council’s first agenda signals a clear intent to modernise existing labour frameworks.

Source: Defi Media