The present workday regulations and the need to make it more flexible

Abstract

This study presents a reflection regarding the present workday within the Chilean labour legal system and attempts to explain that the normative model assumed in this area still, to a great extent, agrees with the working and social situation experienced at the beginning of the 20^th Century, which naturally makes it very hard to answer to the interests and needs both of employees and employers all through the world. over the last few decades, the changes in the economical, social and cultural aspects demand the flexibility of working hours organization, in order to face new organisational and economical realities and, in turn, to canalise the employees' new interests which are focused on creating harmony between work and family, educational, civic, cultural or merely recreational activities. likewise, this study attempts to present the progress the Chilean labour legislation has experienced, which is especially focused on the introduction of especial rules regarding part time work, which is object of a particular analysis in the light of its contribution in order to obtain a higher degree of workday flexibility.