Changes in labor legislation in 2026: what every employee needs to know
In 2026, targeted changes to labor legislation will come into force in Russia, affecting the payment procedure, vacation rules, and employee protection mechanisms. Although large-scale reforms are not expected, adjustments are aimed at strengthening guarantees for certain categories of citizens, including participants in a special military operation, as well as raising minimum labor standards. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.
What's new in the Labor Code in 2026
Starting from January 1, 2026, a number of amendments and innovations will come into force that affect labor law and regulate the relationship between employers and employees. One of the key changes is an increase in the minimum wage. In 2026, the minimum wage is set at 27,093 rubles per month.
In addition, a new all—Russian classifier of professions and positions has been approved - employers will have to review staff positions and labor functions taking into account the updated codes.
Among the important changes are also: the revision of key indicators used in labor inspection inspections, as well as updated standards for working with foreign citizens — the art of hiring, the grounds for employment contracts, as well as new requirements for medical examinations and registration.
The new rules will apply to underage workers: from March 1, 2026, the maximum lifting and moving standards for persons under the age of 18 will come into force, which will tighten the requirements for employers who employ teenagers.
Collectively, the changes are aimed at updating the labor regulation system: increasing guarantees, adapting standards to modern realities, and strengthening control over compliance with labor law.
At the same time, as noted by Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy and Veterans' Affairs, no large-scale reforms should be expected.
"We should not expect any significant changes, because today we have a consensus Labor Code. He is initially the product of an agreement between all parties to an employment relationship," she told Izvestia.
However, according to her, changes aimed at expanding guarantees for participants in a special military operation are expected to be made.
Changes in wages and vacations
The increase in the minimum wage will automatically affect millions of employees whose salaries were at the minimum subsistence level, and payments will be indexed to them. This will also affect the calculation of vacation, sick leave, and other social benefits linked to the minimum wage.
The rules for paying for night work have also been changed: from 2025-2026, minimum allowances for night work have been introduced. This will affect those whose schedules include hours from 22:00 to 6:00, as employers are required to take into account new additional payments according to a government decree.
Lawmakers plan to expand benefits and guarantees for families with children, as well as preserve the protection of the rights of employees with family responsibilities, which may result in additional vacations or flexible schedules.
If an enterprise relies on low—paid work, an increase in the minimum wage forces employers to review wage funds - this may affect the total cost of labor in the company. At the same time, for many employees, this is a good chance to increase income and improve working conditions.
Rules for the dismissal and protection of employees
The new amendments provide for increased protection of workers' rights in case of dismissal and changes in working conditions. In particular, starting in 2025 — and the rules will continue to apply in 2026 — compensation for unused time off during dismissal is guaranteed, as well as stricter requirements for the registration of employment contracts and bonus systems.
The order of control and inspections has been changed: the key indicators for which the state labor supervision checks have been updated, which may mean more frequent inspections of employers and increased responsibility for violations.
Special attention is paid to labor guarantees for participants in a special military operation and those who have returned from a combat zone.: According to Bessarab, proposals have been submitted to prioritize the preservation of jobs for such citizens so that it would be easier for them to adapt to a peaceful life.
"It is important to provide them with maximum guarantees, especially after returning home and socialization," the deputy emphasizes.
In addition, the new changes include many documentation requirements: the employer must clearly specify the conditions for bonuses, schedule changes, and dismissals. This is intended to protect the rights of employees and minimize abuse.
What does this mean for employees
For the majority of Russian employees, 2026 should bring an increase in the minimum income, more comfortable working conditions, additional guarantees upon dismissal and greater control of employers by the state. This is especially important for vulnerable categories: teenagers, minors, families with children, members of the SVO and former conscripts — they receive separate guarantees and benefits.
But, according to experts, this year cannot be called a time of large—scale "revolutionary" changes - legislation is developing point-by-point, taking into account the balance of interests of all parties. For employers, the amendments mean the need to adjust salary funds, review local regulations, and strengthen personnel and legal discipline.
In general, the innovations of 2026 reflect the government's desire to increase the social security of workers, modernize the labor system and adapt it to modern realities.
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