Beginning March 1, 2025, Russian workers will have the legal right to receive financial compensation for unused rest days if they leave their job before using them. This change comes as part of recent amendments to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and reflects a decision by the Constitutional Court to protect employees' rights related to work performed on weekends and public holidays.

What Are Rest Days and How Do They Work?

When an employee works on a weekend or public holiday, they are generally entitled to either:

1. Extra pay for the work performed on that day, or
2. An additional paid day off, often referred to as a rest day, that they can use later.

Under the new rules, if an employee chooses the rest day instead of the higher wage, they must use it within one year of the date it was earned. Alternatively, they can add the rest day to their annual vacation if allowed by internal company policies.

What Happens If the Rest Day Isn’t Used?

Previously, unused rest days might simply expire if not taken within the allowed time. But starting in March 2025, that will change.

If an employee is dismissed or resigns before using their rest day, the employer will be legally required to pay compensation. This payout covers the difference between what the employee earned for working on a weekend or holiday and the extra amount they would have received had they chosen the higher pay instead of a day off.

Why This Matters for Employees and Employers

This new regulation provides better protection for workers by ensuring they don’t lose out on benefits they’ve earned. It also encourages employers to keep more accurate records of work schedules and rest day balances.

For employees, it's important to:

1. Know your rights when working on weekends or holidays
2. Track any earned rest days and use them within the designated period
3. Understand that if you leave your job, you're still entitled to that compensation

For employers, this means adjusting payroll and HR policies to comply with the new rules and ensuring proper documentation of rest day entitlements.

Final Thoughts

The new law strengthens labor protections by closing a gap in the system that previously left some workers without full compensation. As of March 1, 2025, unused rest days will no longer go unnoticed—employees will have the right to claim what they're owed, even after leaving a job.

If you're an employee working irregular hours or an HR manager responsible for compliance, it's a good time to review internal processes to prepare for this important update.