The State Duma passed a bill to double the annual limit for overtime work

On 14 May 2026, a bill amending the Russian Labor Code passed its second and third readings in the Russian State Duma. In particular, the amendments extend the limit for overtime work from 120 to 240 hours a year, subject to a provision to this effect in the collective bargaining agreement and/or industry agreement.

The 120-hour limit will remain for government and municipal workers having more than one job with the same employer, and for those working in hazardous environments falling into classes 3.3 and 3.4.

Overtime work beyond 120 hours a year is subject to written consent from the employee. Employees who have reached, or are nearing, retirement age and those working in class 3.1 and 3.2 hazardous environments must provide a clean bill of health in addition to their consent.

In broad terms, overtime hours will now be paid as follows:

• Overtime within the 120 hours per year limit will be paid under the old rules, i.e., at least 1.5 times the wage for the first two hours of overtime and at least double wage for each hour beyond that.
• Each hour worked beyond the 120-hour limit (i.e., starting from the 121^st hour) is paid at least at a double rate.

In addition, employees with more than 120 overtime hours in a year are entitled to one day’s annual paid leave for medical checkup, without prejudice to their job position or average wage.

Apart from amendments relating to overtime work, the bill also introduces some other changes to the Labor Code. 

If the bill is approved by the Federation Council and signed into law by the President of Russia, the changes will come into force on 1 September 2026.