Hours of work. From fixed to flexible? Report of the Committee of Experts on the application of Conventions and Recommendations (articles 19, 22 and 35 of the Constitution). Report 93 III (Part 1B)

Reviews law and practice of ILO Member States relating to hours of work, with particular reference to the Hours of Work (Industry) Convention, 1919 (No.1) and the Hours of Work (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1930 (No. 30).

Hours of work have always been a prime focus and a topic of vital importance for standard setting in the ILO. This is reflected by the fact that it is the subject of first Convention of the ILO and has subsequently been the topic of a number of Conventions, General Surveys and discussions over the years. This survey discusses the content of the Conventions: methods of application (by reference to legislation, arbitration awards, collective agreements and individual bargaining); statistical information about national practice; current trends in working-time schedules; impediments to ratification of the Conventions and finally a summary of conclusions with recommendations for the future. Additionally, where possible, the survey provides detailed tables with information on the relevant national legislation and statistical information about changes in working time in States.