Despite its repeal, the impact of the regulation does not disappear overnight. Transitional provisions ensure that previously established working time frames under the decree remain valid. This means that employees who were already subject to extended working time arrangements may continue working under these conditions until the end of the originally determined period, even if it spans up to two years. The decree specifically affected employees working in tourism, hospitality, and related service roles. This includes hotel staff, short-term accommodation providers, campsite workers, restaurant and catering employees, mobile catering staff, event catering personnel, and workers in bars and beverage services. It also extended to certain leisure and entertainment roles, as well as employees working in spa, sauna, and bath services – sectors where demand can fluctuate significantly throughout the year.
The now-expired decree had significant implications for employees. It enabled highly uneven work schedules and allowed employers to delay compensation for overtime until the end of the working time frame. In practice, this could mean that employees only received payment for extra hours after a long delay, sometimes at the end of a two-year period. Additionally, the structure made it difficult for employees to leave their jobs without potentially losing entitlement to overtime pay. Going forward, employers must once again follow the general rules set out in the Labour Code. Under standard regulations, working time frames are typically limited to 4 months, or up to 6 months in certain cases, with stricter safeguards for employees regarding scheduling and overtime compensation. These changes are expected to restore a more balanced framework between operational flexibility and employee protection.
Overall, while the decree’s expiration marks a return to normal labor law conditions, its transitional effects will continue to shape employment relationships in the affected sectors for some time. Both employers and employees should remain aware of their rights and obligations during this adjustment period.