Üleaja

"Üleaja" is an Estonian term that translates to "overtime" in English. It refers to the time worked beyond an employee's regular working hours. In Estonia, as in many other countries, there are specific legal regulations governing overtime work. These regulations typically address aspects such as the maximum amount of overtime that can be worked, the rate of pay for overtime hours, and the procedures for approving and recording overtime.

Estonian labor law, primarily governed by the Employment Contracts Act, defines overtime as work performed at the employer's request outside of the normal working time stipulated in the employment contract or collective agreement. Overtime is generally compensated at a higher rate than regular working hours. For example, for weekdays, the overtime pay is typically at least 1.5 times the employee's normal hourly wage. For work performed on public holidays, the overtime compensation rate is usually even higher.

There are also limitations on how much overtime an employee can be required to work. The law specifies daily and weekly maximums to prevent excessive working hours and protect employee well-being. Employers are required to maintain records of all overtime worked by their employees. Employees have the right to request compensation for overtime, either in the form of additional pay or, if agreed upon, compensatory time off. The specific terms and conditions related to overtime are often detailed in individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.