Can I refuse overtime in Czechia?
Within the statutory limit no, beyond it yes. An employer may order overtime only for serious operational reasons, capped at 8 hours a week and 150 hours a year — within that range, refusing counts as unexcused absence. Anything above 150 hours a year requires your agreement — it cannot be ordered (the absolute ceiling including agreed overtime: an average 8 h/week over the reference period). Overtime pay is your wage plus a supplement of at least 25 % of average earnings, or compensatory time off. Watch contracts saying wages already account for overtime — for regular employees that covers at most 150 h/year.
📋 The rules
- Ordered overtime: max 8 h/week, 150 h/year — can't be refused within limits
- Above 150 h/year: only with consent
- Absolute cap: average 8 h/week over the 26/52-week reference period
- Pay: wage + min. 25 % supplement, or time off
- Pregnant employees and parents of children under 1: overtime can't be ordered
🔓 Exceptions
- Wages may contractually include overtime (regular staff max 150 h/yr, managers up to 416 h)
- DPP/DPČ agreements: extra hours only by agreement
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unpaid overtime is an employer debt (claimable 3 years, with interest). Limit breaches bring Labour Inspectorate fines up to CZK 1,000,000 (working-time violations up to 2,000,000).
📎 Official sources
- Labour Ministry handbook · Overtime work (CS) →
- Pracomat · Labour Code § 93 (CS) →
- Money.cz · When overtime can be ordered (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
My boss ordered Saturday work. Must I come?
If the weekly 8 h and yearly 150 h aren't exhausted and there's a serious operational reason, yes — otherwise it's a request you may decline.
What do I get for overtime?
Your achieved wage plus at least a 25 % supplement of average earnings, or agreed time off.
My salary includes overtime. Legal?
Only if expressly agreed — and for regular employees it covers max 150 h/year; beyond that the supplement is due.
Who can never be ordered overtime?
Pregnant employees; parents of children under 1 can only agree to it, not be ordered.
Overtime on part-time contracts?
Hours above your part-time load up to 40 h are paid extra work; true overtime starts above the full statutory week.
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