What you'll learn
Table of contents
Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Ocean. The country is considered a developing economy that is highly dependent on agriculture.
Employment Terms
The minimum wage in Guatemala is GTQ 3,723.05 per month. The standard workweek is 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week for 5 days. Overtime work is paid at 150% of the regular salary.
Types of Leave
Parental Leave
In Guatemala, female employees are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, consisting of 30 days prior to the expected due date and 54 days following childbirth. Male employees are entitled to 2 consecutive working days of paid paternity leave, which must be taken at the time of the child’s birth.
Sick Leave
Employees can take sick leave that is paid by social security (or by the employer if the employee isn’t covered by social security). The amount of sick pay depends on the length of employment.
Paid Leave
There are 12 public holidays in Guatemala, and employees are entitled to 15 days of paid time off. Employees can request other types of leave for wedding and bereavement.
Termination Process
Process
The termination process in Guatemala depends on the employment contract and collective agreement. If an employee is terminated without just cause, the employer may owe severance pay.
Notice Period
Notice periods usually depend on the employment contract and collective agreements in place, or on the length of employment at the company:
- 0-6 months- 1 week's notice
- 6 months - 1 year = 10 days' notice
- 1-5 years = 2 weeks' notice
- 5+ years = 1 month's notice
Severance Pay
Employees who are terminated without just cause are entitled to severance pay equivalent to one month’s salary for each year of service. Certain categories of employees are protected from dismissal, including union members, employees on maternity leave, and employees on certified sick leave.
Additional Information
Full-time employees in Guatemala are entitled to a 13th and 14th month salary, each equivalent to 1 month’s salary. One is paid in July and the other in December.
