Portuguese legislation rigorously defines rest intervals at work, determining when and how long workers can interrupt their tasks. According to the site specializing in labor legislation, these periods are not just a formality, but an essential right to preserve workers’ health and productivity.
What is the rest interval
According to the Ekonomist, a website specializing in finance and economy, the rest intervals at work are defined in the Labor Code, namely in articles 200 and 213. Article 213 states that the daily work period must be interrupted by a rest interval that lasts at least one hour and at most two. This ensures that the worker is not more than five hours in a row to work, or six hours if the working day exceeds ten hours.
The daily interval between two days of work must have at least 11 consecutive hours of rest, according to article 200 of the Labor Code.
These rules are aligned with European legislation, which sets an average limit of 48 hours per week of work, including overtime, calculated at a four -month reference period, according to the 2003/88/CE of the European Parliament and the Council.
Breaks during the day and collective agreements
During the day, the break is mandatory and must be met unless there is a collective bargaining agreement that establishes different rules.
According to Article 213 of the Labor Code, these agreements may allow the worker to perform up to six consecutive hours before he is entitled to the break, or adjust the length of rest, which can be shortened or divided into two periods, provided that the sum does not exceed five hours.
The authority for work conditions (ACT) is the entity responsible for authorizing these changes, always upon the employer’s request.
It is important to note that the time intended for meals is not considered a rest interval, except in cases where the period exceeds two hours, as clarified the same article as the Labor Code.
Exceptions provided for by law
The Labor Code provides for exceptions for activities that cannot be interrupted for technical or safety reasons, including surveillance, transportation, airport and port services, firefighters, garbage collection, audiovisual production and agriculture.
Workers who hold management or administration positions and others with autonomous decision powers are also covered, exempt from time, as defined in article 219.
Why is it important to know your rights
These intervals are an integral part of working hours and are fundamental to preserve physical and mental health, as well as efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
According to, workers are entitled to enjoy these rest periods without fear of reprisals and may resort to ACT in case of non -compliance.
Having knowledge of these standards allows you to better manage work day and ensures that intervals are not just a formality, but legal protection that ensures workers’ well-being.
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