Evening and Night Shift Pay in Israel

What Counts as a Night Shift?

How evening and nighttime hours are paid in Israel depends on the number of nighttime hours worked. A recurring source of confusion is the definition of a “night shift” under the Hours of Work and Rest Law. What does night work mean for employers, employees and compliance with the law?

The Hours of Work and Rest Law defines night work as a shift that includes at least two hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning. Even when only two hours of an entire shift fall within that period, the whole shift is classified as night work.

How Is a Night Shift Paid?

The main question is what happens to working conditions and wages at night. The Hours of Work and Rest Law itself does not require an additional night-shift premium solely because work takes place at night.

However, Section 2 of the law states that a normal night shift must not exceed seven working hours. As a result, overtime compensation starts with the eighth hour of night work.

Section 16(a) of the Hours of Work and Rest Law provides that the first two overtime hours are paid at 125% of the regular hourly rate. Each subsequent overtime hour must be paid at no less than 150% of the regular rate, and sometimes more.

Practical Examples

For example, an employee working from 5 p.m. until midnight has worked a night shift because at least two hours fall between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If the employee continues until 1 a.m., the hour from midnight to 1 a.m. is paid at 125% as overtime beyond the normal seven-hour night shift.

An employee whose shift begins at 4 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m. is also considered a night worker. If that employee continues until noon, the hour from 11 a.m. to noon counts as overtime and is paid at 125%.

The law does not itself prescribe a special bonus for night work. Such additional pay may instead be provided in an individual agreement or a special collective agreement.

Another question is how many consecutive weeks of night work are permitted. Under the provisions discussed in the source article, Section 22 limits regular assignment to night work to one week in every three weeks.

Employees at 24/7 Workplaces

Some workplaces operate around the clock, including hotels, hospitals and industrial facilities.

For hotels and hospitals, continuous operation follows from the nature of their services. Other businesses operate throughout the day to make more effective use of labor and equipment. Such workplaces may be subject to special arrangements governing night shifts.

For example, in June 2016 the Minister of Economy permitted hotels to employ certain workers on night shifts for one week out of every two rather than one week out of three.

In conclusion, always read the employment contract carefully and clarify the rules for your working hours and compensation before accepting a position.

This historical article is based on material published by Calcalist and translated by the AVRIKA editorial team into Russian. The legal arrangements described should be checked against current law.