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Security Guard Overtime in Spain: All You Need to Know

The private security sector in Spain is regulated by strict labor regulations, and one of the most important aspects is overtime. This is a common reality for security guards, given the nature of their work, which often requires extending the working day to ensure protection at events, facilities or continuous services. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about overtime in the security sector: what it is, how it is paid and what the limits are.

What is overtime?

Overtime is the time that an employee works in excess of his or her normal working hours, as established in his or her employment contract. In the case of security guards, the normal working day is usually 40 hours per week, although in some cases a shorter working day may be established.

How much overtime can a security guard do?

In accordance with the Workers’ Statute and applicable collective bargaining agreements:

  • Annual limit: An employee may not work more than 80 hours of overtime per year.
  • Exceptions: This limit does not include hours that are compensated with equivalent breaks instead of being paid.

It is important to mention that overtime must respect the legally established rest periods. For example, a security guard must rest for a minimum of 12 consecutive hours between shifts and enjoy a weekly rest day and a half.

Overtime pay

Overtime can be paid in two ways, depending on the provisions of the applicable contract or collective bargaining agreement:

1. Financial remuneration

  • Overtime hours are paid at a higher rate than ordinary hours.
  • The State Collective Agreement for Private Security establishes that the value of an overtime hour for a security guard may vary, but it is usually 25% higher than the value of a normal hour.

2. Compensation with time off

  • Instead of overtime pay, overtime can be compensated with equivalent time off.
  • The period of time to enjoy these breaks must be agreed between the employer and the employee, but can never exceed 4 months from the completion of the hours.

Specific conditions for the private security sector

Private security has particularities that influence overtime:

  1. Rotational shifts: Many security guards work rotating shifts (morning, afternoon, evening, night), which may generate the need for additional hours to cover sick leave, reinforcements or unforeseen events.
  2. Extraordinary services: Events, festivals or emergency situations often require extended working hours.
  3. Operational flexibility: Although security companies seek to ensure compliance with legal breaks, overtime is often necessary to ensure uninterrupted service.

When is overtime considered illegal?

How to calculate overtime pay

The value of an overtime hour is calculated by dividing the annual base salary (including allowances) by the number of hours worked per year according to the collective bargaining agreement. Suppose:

  • Annual salary: 18.000 €.
  • Regular annual hours: 1,800 hours

The value of an ordinary hour would be:
18,000 / 1,800 hours = 10 ¤ per hour
If the overtime hour has a 25% increase, its value would be:
10 ¤ x 1.25 = 12.5 ¤ per overtime hour

Frequently Asked Questions about Overtime

Can I be forced to work overtime?

No, overtime is voluntary, except in situations of force majeure, such as emergencies.

How is overtime controlled?

Companies are required to keep a record of working hours, including overtime, which must be delivered periodically to the employee.

What happens if I exceed the limit of 80 hours of overtime per year?

Exceeding this limit could result in penalties for the company and possible legal disputes if not adequately compensated.