The good news for Peruvian workers after the December holidays: bonus and Christmas pay
Holidays and labor benefits: how December eases the burden on Peruvian workers.
Public and private sector workers in Peru will enjoy an additional income this December, a key economic relief before Christmas. After the holidays on December 8 and 9, thousands of employees eagerly await the arrival of the bonus and the aguinaldo, two labor benefits that strengthen family economy during the holidays.
December, as the month that marks the end of the year, brings not only days of rest but also financial opportunities for workers across the country. The holidays provided time to share with family, but the real relief comes with the arrival of these extra payments.
Bonus and aguinaldo: what do they represent for Peruvian workers?
After the holidays on December 8 and 9, Peruvian workers have an additional income that adds to their monthly salary, depending on the labor sector they belong to. In the case of the private sector, this benefit comes as the December bonus. For employees in the public sector, the aguinaldo serves a similar function, although the amount and payment conditions vary.
These economic compensations, regulated by Peruvian labor legislation, are a valuable help in a context where year-end festivities imply higher expenses.
When will the bonus be paid for private sector workers?
The December bonus is a guaranteed right for employees in the private sector in Peru. According to current regulations, this payment must be made during the first half of December, with a deadline of December 15.
This year, the deadline falls on a Sunday, so many companies may advance the deposit to Friday, December 13, ensuring that workers have timely access to this additional income.
The bonus amounts to a full salary for those who have worked the entire semester, with proportional adjustments for those who have been with the company for less time. Additionally, employers are required to include an additional contribution corresponding to EsSalud or a Health Service Provider Entity (EPS).
Aguinaldo for the public sector: a fixed benefit
Meanwhile, public sector employees will receive the December 2024 aguinaldo, which is set at 300 soles according to Supreme Decree No. 244-2024-EF. This payment will be included in the December payroll, adjusting to the administrative procedures of each public entity.
The aguinaldo is a significant aid for thousands of state workers, although the amount does not equate to that of the private sector bonus. However, its impact remains relevant, especially for covering essential expenses or purchases typical of the Christmas season.
What to do if the bonus is not received on time?
The fulfillment of bonus and aguinaldo payments is a labor right protected in Peru. If an employer does not make the deposit on the established date, workers should follow certain steps to demand compliance:
- Contact the company directly to confirm if it is an administrative error.
- If no response or solution is obtained, one can go to the National Superintendency of Labor Inspection (Sunafil), which has the authority to mediate and sanction non-compliant employers.
Fines for failing to pay bonuses can exceed 12,000 soles, a figure that reinforces the importance of fulfilling this obligation. This amount is equivalent to 26.12 Tax Units (UIT), demonstrating the legal weight this benefit holds for workers.
The importance of the bonus and aguinaldo for Peruvian families
In a country where December festivities are synonymous with unity and celebration, these additional incomes become an essential resource. The bonus and aguinaldo allow thousands of families to cover expenses associated with Christmas, from gifts to family dinners. Additionally, in some cases, these benefits are allocated to debt payments or savings for the start of the next year.
The holidays and additional payments in December not only mean rest and economic relief but also the opportunity to close the year with greater financial stability.