A new labor reform known as the “Chair Law” (Ley Silla) has officially taken effect across Mexico, requiring employers to provide workers with the opportunity to sit down periodically during their shifts. The law, which was approved by Congress late last year and published in December 2024, aims to protect workers from health issues associated with prolonged standing.
Under the new regulation, employers must provide an adequate number of chairs with backrests for employees and allow them to take seated breaks when the nature of their work permits. The law particularly impacts service and retail industries, where workers have traditionally been required to stand for entire shifts.
The reform addresses serious health concerns linked to prolonged standing, including musculoskeletal problems, circulatory issues, and other ailments. According to research cited by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, standing for more than one hour without movement or more than four hours daily can lead to low back pain, muscle fatigue, swelling in the legs, varicose veins, and poor circulation.
To comply with the law, companies must:
- Include rest period rules in their regulations.
- Inform employees about health risks related to prolonged standing.
- Ensure workspaces allow for alternating between standing and other postures.
Workers who find their employers not complying can file complaints with the Labor Ministry. Penalties for non-compliance range from 28,000 to 280,000 pesos (approximately US $1,472 to $14,720), with repeat offenders potentially facing closure.
The six-month grace period granted to employers for implementation has now expired, making the law fully enforceable throughout Mexico.
For more details, you can read the full article here.
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