In Russia, payment of the thirteenth salary is not mandatory.
The decision on payment depends entirely on the employer.
Anna Ivanova, partner in the labor law practice at BGP Litigation, confirmed to the Prime agency that the payment of the thirteenth salary depends on the employer’s decision.
In some companies, the thirteenth salary can replace New Year's gifts, be indexed, or be stipulated in collective agreements.
However, as Ivanova noted, the final decision on payment is made by the employer.
In most cases, the payment of the thirteenth salary is not mandatory.
The lawyer also clarified that although the courts can consider employees' monetary claims, in the case of bonuses, which depend on the company's discretion, the approach is different.
Therefore, only those employees of companies where it is provided can count on the thirteenth salary.
The expert advised employers to include the terms of payment of the thirteenth salary in employment contracts in order to avoid misunderstandings in the event of legal proceedings.
