The official channel of Rostrud has stated that an employee in the probationary period should not earn less than colleagues who have completed the probation. The question about whether a lower starting salary is permissible during the probationary phase was answered clearly by Rostrud: it is not allowed. Workers in the probationary period are covered by all provisions of labor legislation and by the employer’s internal documents, including rules related to wages. This applies equally to employees who continue to work after completing the probationary period, ensuring consistency in pay practices across the workforce. If labor laws are violated, the affected employee retains the right to file a complaint with the labor inspectorate. Earlier messages from Rostrud emphasized wage guarantees during certain holiday periods and clarified the rules for holiday pay under the Labor Code of the Russian Federation. During New Year holidays, from January 1 to January 8, workers who are paid in the holiday period should receive compensation at a higher rate, in line with the code. Specifically, employees who earn wages during holidays are entitled to at least twice their usual pay. For those who are paid by piecework, the compensation must be no less than twice the piece rate, reflecting the additional hours and effort required during holiday periods. This framework ensures fair treatment for workers during probation and holidays, aligning wage practices with established labor standards and the employer’s own policies. In practice, employers must apply the same wage protections during probation as they do after its completion, and any deviations are rightfully subject to review by the appropriate labor authorities. The guidance from Rostrud serves to standardize compensation practices, prevent underpayment during the probationary period, and reinforce the obligation to uphold wage safeguards during holidays, thereby supporting workers across the full spectrum of employment stages.
