Topic 2 Inclusion, diversity, and rights in the Lithuanian labor market
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Companies must apply the same criteria and conditions when recruiting, promoting, offering professional development and benefits, and dismissing workers.
Workers have the right to be treated equally and fairly and to have equal opportunities for promotion within the company. Employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees. In addition, workers are entitled to equal pay for the same job function under the same conditions, regardless of gender.
Companies with 50 or more employees are required to implement and monitor policies and principles relating to equal rights and opportunities for employees. The policy must be published in a way that is accessible to all employees.
Relevant legislation in Lithuania ensures that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are respected at work.
The main legal acts ensuring equality and non-discrimination at work in Lithuania
The Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Equal Treatment (LET) No IX-1826 and the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men (LEOWM) No VIII-947.
The Law of Equal Treatment establishes equality between persons and prohibits the restriction of human rights or the extension of privileges on the grounds of gender, race, nationality, language, origin, social status, religion, beliefs or opinions. The Law of Equal Treatment lays down general principles for ensuring equal rights for women and men and prohibits any discrimination on grounds of gender.
The Equal Opportunities Ombudsman’s Office (OEOO) is the institution responsible for ensuring the principle of equal opportunities in Lithuania. The OEOO supervises and monitors the implementation of these laws by state and municipal institutions and bodies, educational, scientific, study and other institutions and employers.
The equal pay for equal work principal in Lithuania
The principle of equal pay for equal work in Lithuania is enshrined in Article 7 of the LET and Article 6 of the Law on human rights, which stipulates that equal pay must be paid for equal or equivalent work. In Lithuania, the implementation of the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men is monitored and supervised by the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman. Every natural and legal person has the right to file a complaint with the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson regarding a violation of equal rights.
More information about the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson: https://www.lygybe.lt/en/about
If experienced discrimination in Lithuania check the link: https://www.lygybe.lt/en/complaints/451
Public holidays in Lithuania
Lithuania observes numerous public holidays across the year. Most companies and public services remain completely closed on these days.
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New Year’s Day - 1/1 |
Assumption Day – 15/08 |
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Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania - 16/02 |
All Saints' Day – 01/11 |
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Day of Restitution of Independence of Lithuania - 11/03 |
All Souls' Day – 02/11 |
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First Sunday and Monday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox |
Christmas Eve 24/12 |
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Labour Day - 01/05 |
Christmas Day 25/12 |
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Saint Jonas's Festival – 24/06 |
2nd Day of Christmas – 26/12 |
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Coronation of King Mindaugas Day– 06/07 |
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Lithuania Public Holiday Calendar 2022
| DATE | WEEK DAY | HOLIDAY |
|---|---|---|
|
1/1/2022 |
Saturday |
New Year's Day |
|
16/2/2022 |
Wednesday |
Independence Day |
|
11/3/2022 |
Friday |
Independence Restoration Day |
|
17/4/2022 |
Sunday |
Easter Sunday |
|
18/4/2022 |
Monday |
Easter Monday |
|
1/5/2022 |
Sunday |
Labour Day |
|
24/6/2022 |
Friday |
Midsummer Day |
|
6/7/2022 |
Wednesday |
King Mindaugas' Day |
|
15/8/2022 |
Monday |
Assumption Day |
|
1/11/2022 |
Tuesday |
All Saints Day |
|
2/11/2022 |
Wednesday |
All Souls Day |
|
24/12/2022 |
Saturday |
Christmas Eve |
|
25/12/2022 |
Sunday |
Christmas Day |
|
26/12/2022 |
Monday |
2nd Christmas Day |
Working hours in Lithuania
Standard working hours in Lithuania are 8:00 or 9:00 to 17:00 or 18:00 Monday to Friday, including one free lunch break, for a total of 8 hours a day (i.e. 40 hours a week).
The shorter working hours are set for workers under greater mental or emotional strain or exposed to harmful working conditions. The list of such occupations is approved by the Government.
The working day is normally shorter on Fridays, with usally public institution workers finishing work as early as 15.30.
Depending on the area (e.g. healthcare, childcare, specialised communication services), the standard working week may be 48 hours or extended to include Saturdays.
