The Executive Branch enacted last July 8, 2019 this law that regulates the labor contracts of workers who work between 16 and 32 hours per week.

Among other points, it establishes as a mandatory condition that this type of contract be formalized in writing and excludes the possibility of establishing the exclusivity of the employment relationship with a single employer.

With regard to social security, it provides that workers with part-time employment contracts enjoy the same rights as full-time workers, such as: short- and long-term benefits offered by the mandatory social insurance administered by the Social Security Institute, breastfeeding, maternity and paternity leave, and the family allowance benefit.

With respect to social security contributions, the regulation establishes that they will be the same as those established for the general mandatory social security system (16.5% for the employer and 9% for the employee). On the other hand, it provides that in the event that the amount of the employee's contribution is not equal to the amount corresponding to 9% of the minimum salary in force, the employer must make up the resulting difference in addition to paying the employer's contribution.

As a highlight, the law provides that the hours of leave for breastfeeding leave are calculated in proportion to the hours worked.

The following workers are expressly excluded from the provisions of this law:

- Public and private teachers.

- Target Staff

- Public transportation workers.

The regulation of this law by the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security (MTESS) is expected in the next few days.