Bolivia: Labor Tolerance Announced for Private Sector on February 13th

Bolivian workers in the private sector will receive a labor tolerance beginning at 3:00 p.m. On Friday, February 13, 2026, according to a communiqué issued by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Welfare. This measure is intended to facilitate travel arrangements for families and stimulate economic activity during the upcoming Carnival celebrations.

The labor tolerance, as outlined in Communiqué DGTHSO-006/26 from the General Directorate of Labor, Hygiene and Occupational Safety, allows companies and institutions to adjust work schedules, ensuring essential services remain operational. The Ministry emphasizes that each organization must adapt the implementation of the tolerance based on its specific work modalities, and schedules.

This decision aligns with the National Government’s broader commitment to economic reactivation and bolstering domestic tourism. Carnival is a significant period for internal travel within Bolivia, and the government aims to ease travel planning for families while simultaneously supporting key economic sectors like transportation, commerce, gastronomy, crafts, and lodging. The tolerance is designed to provide a window for individuals to begin their journeys with greater security and anticipation.

The Ministry of Labor has urged companies to apply the tolerance with “flexibility and co-responsibility,” and has called on the public to celebrate Carnival “with respect, moderate consumption and rejection of any form of violence,” prioritizing safety and the well-being of families and public spaces. This emphasis on responsible celebration underscores a broader public health and safety message alongside the economic stimulus.

Bolivia’s Labor Landscape in 2025 and Beyond

The labor tolerance announcement comes within a context of evolving labor regulations in Bolivia. Recent trends, as highlighted by SailGlobal, indicate a stronger focus on formal employment, stricter enforcement of labor laws, and clearer guidelines for remote and hybrid work arrangements. Employers are increasingly expected to update their documentation, payroll systems, and workplace policies to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of fines or legal challenges.

Bolivia’s labor laws are known for being “wide-ranging and complex,” requiring companies to seek expert legal advice to navigate the regulatory environment effectively, according to Biz Latin Hub. The country is undergoing a process of modernization, aiming to streamline bureaucratic processes and facilitate business operations. Understanding these laws is crucial for any company establishing operations or employing workers in Bolivia.

Key Aspects of Bolivian Labor Law

Working hours in Bolivia are legally capped at eight hours per day. Men are permitted to work up to 48 hours per week, while women are limited to 40 hours, excluding overtime. The 2025 minimum wage is set at Bs$2,500 (approximately USD$360 per month), effective from January 17, 2025.

Employment contracts in Bolivia typically fall into two categories: indefinite and fixed-term. Indefinite contracts are the standard for regular employees, while fixed-term contracts are reserved for workers engaged in non-routine tasks. Both types of contracts can be either oral or written. Employers are responsible for a range of social security contributions totaling 16.7% of an employee’s gross salary.

Worker Rights and Protections

Bolivian law prohibits anti-union discrimination and mandates the reinstatement of workers who are dismissed for union activity. This legal framework aims to protect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain. The government is also prioritizing occupational safety and health, with increased scrutiny of social security and payroll compliance.

The emphasis on formalizing employment relationships and expanding labor inspections suggests a proactive approach to ensuring worker protections and fair labor practices. Employers are advised to proactively verify their compliance with all applicable regulations, consulting official sources such as the Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social and the Gaceta Oficial, as well as seeking legal counsel.

The labor tolerance announced for February 13, 2026, represents a specific, time-limited measure designed to support both economic activity and worker well-being during a significant cultural event. However, We see important for employers to understand this within the broader context of Bolivia’s evolving and increasingly rigorous labor laws.