Bono 14: Ministry of Labor to Conduct Over 4,000 Inspections; How to Report Non-Payment

Guatemala's Ministry of Labor (Mintrab) is preparing for an extensive inspection campaign, aiming to conduct over 4,400 checks nationwide to ensure timely payment of the "bono 14," a mandatory annual bonus. Minister of Labor Miriam Roquel emphasized that this bonus, equivalent to one month's ordinary salary, is distinct from the Christmas bonus (aguinaldo) and is legally owed to workers.

The benefit is calculated based on the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Roquel stressed that employees who haven't worked a full cycle are entitled to a proportional payment based on their tenure. "Today we call on both companies to fulfill their obligation, and on workers, to know their rights regarding the payment of bono 14," Roquel stated, highlighting the dual focus of the ministry's efforts.

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Today we call on both companies to fulfill their obligation, and on workers, to know their rights regarding the payment of bono 14. This is an extraordinary remuneration different from the aguinaldo.

To aid workers, Mintrab offers an online tool at bono14.mintrabajo.gob.gt/calculo/bono14 for calculating the expected bonus amount. Deputy Minister of Labor Administration, Damarys Oliva, explained that these inspections are crucial for enforcing labor regulations and preventing penalties outlined in Guatemala's Labor Code. The bono 14 itself was established by Decree 42-92, functioning as a "fourteenth salary," while the aguinaldo serves as the "thirteenth."

For 2026, Mintrab projects 4,425 inspections, an increase of 630 from the previous year, with concentrated efforts in Guatemala, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Escuintla, and Sacatepéquez. Workers denied their bono 14 payment by the stipulated deadline can file a complaint starting July 16. Each complaint initiates a verification process, irrespective of the annual inspection targets. In 2025, similar inspections led to the recovery of over Q301.99 million for affected workers, with 124 companies sanctioned for non-compliance.

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The benefit corresponds to the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.