When does the mandatory public holiday begin and end?
The public holiday begins at 9 p.m. on September 17 and ends at 6 a.m. on September 20. Shift workers are allowed to work between 9 p.m. and midnight on September 17 and between midnight and 6 a.m. on September 20 if their shift coincides with these times.
Which workers are not affected by the mandatory public holiday?
September 18 and 19 are mandatory public holidays for all workers, with the exception of those working in clubs, restaurants, entertainment venues such as cinemas, theaters, discotheques, pubs, cabarets, casinos and other legally authorized gaming clubs. The law does not apply to fuel retail outlets and distributors, emergency pharmacies and pharmacies that are required by the local health authority to open in shifts.
How much are the fines?
Failure to comply with the compulsory public holiday law will result in fines ranging from $211,100 to $844,400 Chilean pesos (US$300 to US$1,200) per employee that is found to be working in breach of the law. Fines are calculated according to the number of workers employed by each business.
- From 1 to 49 employees, 5 UTM (US$300) per employee affected.
- From 50 to 199 employees, 10 UTM (US$600) per employee affected.
- Over 200 employees, 20 UTM (US$1,200) per employee affected.
Anyone who is found to be working must immediately stop working and leave their place of work. Businesses attended by their owners may remain open during the two day public holiday.
Fines for businesses that do not close by 9 p.m. on September 17, the evening before the public holiday, range from $422,200 to $2,533,200 Chilean pesos per business (US$600 to US$3,650).
- From 10 UTM (US$600) for businesses with between 1 and 49 employees.
- From 40 UTM (US$2,400) for businesses with between 50 and 199 employees.
- From 60 UTM (US$3,650) for businesses with over 200 employees.
Where to report an infraction?
The law establishes September 18 and 19 as mandatory public holidays. Anyone who fails to comply with the law should be reported via the Employment Directorate website.