Salary during power outages: when an employer can calculate less

If a worker cannot perform their duties due to power outages, the employer can declare idle time. During this time, the worker should be paid at least two-thirds of the official salary or hourly rate proportionate to the duration of idle time. This is reported by Novyny.LIVE citing the State Labor Service.

When power outages are considered idle time

According to the State Labor Service clarifications, the basis for idle time arises when the power outage truly halts work. The employer must document the reason and declare idle time through an order. If the worker continues performing their duties during the outage, this time is paid under regular conditions.

In the payslip, it is important to check how many hours were credited as worked and how many as idle time. If the total for the month differs from the usual, also check if there is a separate payment for salary indexation in November.

How much is paid for idle time and how to check the calculations

If the salary is 16,000 UAH, the monthly work norm is 160 hours, and the idle time lasted for 6 hours, the calculation will be as follows:

• 100 UAH is the payment for one hour based on the salary.

• 15,400 UAH will be calculated for 154 hours worked.

• At least 400 UAH will be calculated for 6 hours of idle time based on the two-thirds rule.

• At least 15,800 UAH will be the total amount for the month before taxes and additional payments.

If idle time lasted the entire month, with a salary of 15,000 UAH, the minimum calculation will be 10,000 UAH before taxes. Article 113 of the Labor Code also stipulates the preservation of average earnings if the idle time was caused by a hazardous production situation that arose through no fault of the worker.

The enterprise may have a higher payment for idle time. If a collective agreement provides for a higher rate in such cases, during checks on the calculations, focus on that rate.