LEGAL REGULATION OF REDUCED WORKING HOURS: THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN IN LIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Аннотация

This article examines the legal regulation of reduced (incomplete) working hours in the Republic of Uzbekistan and provides a comparative analysis with selected international practices, particularly focusing on Finland. In Uzbekistan, labor legislation mandates shortened working hours for certain vulnerable groups, including minors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and individuals working in harmful or hazardous conditions. These provisions serve to protect employees' health and ensure safe working environments. By analyzing national legislation, international labor standards, and country-specific practices, this article highlights the strengths and limitations of mandatory versus negotiated approaches to reduced working hours. The study concludes with recommendations for improving legal enforcement, promoting flexibility, and aligning national practices with global labor protection trends. Keywords: labor law, reduced working hours, Uzbekistan Labor Code, minors and labor protection, disabilityrights, flexiblework arrangements, international laborstandards.