Moscow, August 29, 2025 – Russia is on the cusp of implementing several pivotal amendments to its labor legislation, set to take effect on September 1st. These changes will introduce new parameters for both employers and employees, most notably expanding work opportunities for teenagers during summer breaks.
Expanded Summer Work for Teenagers
A significant development involves Federal Law No. 63-FZ, which revises Article 268 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. This legislation, which Stenyakina herself helped to draft, will become active on September 1, 2025. It grants adolescents aged 14 and older the right to engage in weekend work during their summer holidays.
“I was among the co-authors of this law, which allows teenagers from 14 years old to work on weekends during summer holidays, either through an employment service referral or as part of a student brigade,” Stenyakina explained.
She further elaborated that starting from the next summer season, this provision is expected to significantly benefit proactive young individuals. It will enable them to take on temporary roles on weekends, particularly in areas like promotions, animation, and as assistants at various festivals and fairs, where there is often a high demand for such services.
Enhanced Protections Against Wage Reductions
Another crucial legislative change stems from Federal Law No. 144-FZ, which the State Duma approved in late May. This comprehensive law introduces amendments to seven different articles of the Russian Labor Code, with its most impactful revision targeting Article 135.
Stenyakina clarified that this new amendment is designed to prevent employers from unfairly diminishing an employee`s earnings. Specifically, even if a portion of an employee`s remuneration is classified as a bonus within their employment contract, any subsequent reduction or complete withdrawal of that bonus cannot lead to a monthly income decrease exceeding 20%.
“This norm serves to protect workers from unjustified fines and other forms of underpayment that may be imposed by unscrupulous employers. The remaining amendments introduced by Federal Law No. 144-FZ are primarily administrative and technical in nature,” the politician concluded, emphasizing the protective aspect of the new legislation.
