Mexico City, December 20 2024.
The reform to the Federal Labor Law known as the “Chair Law” was published in the Mexican Official Gazette evening edition on December 18, 2024. This reform aims to guarantee employees the right to rest during their work shift, promoting their health and well-being.
The reform introduces the following provisions:
- Employers must provide seats or chairs with backrests to all employees in the service, commerce and similar sectors for the better performance of their work or, if not possible due to the nature of the work, for periodic rest during the work shift.
- Employers are prohibited from requiring employees to remain standing for the entire work shift.
- If it is not possible to provide seating or chairs due to the nature of the work, such seating or chairs should be placed in specific areas of the facility for employees to take periodic rests.
- Internal Work Regulations must include mandatory rest periods and rules to ensure the proper use of seats or chairs during the work shifts.
The new provisions will come into effect 180 calendar days after the day following its publication. Employers will have an additional 180 calendar days as of the entry in force, to update their Internal Work Regulations accordingly.
Additionally, the Labor Ministry will have 30 days to issue specific regulations addressing the occupational risks associated with prolonged standing during work hours. Consequently, we suggest initiating any updating work on the Internal Work Regulations once the Ministry has issued the specific norm or official standard.
This note was prepared with the support of Gabriela Guadarrama García.
The labor and employment lawyers of Basham, Ringe y Correa, S.C., remain at your service for any further comments or questions.
Sincerely,
Jorge G. de Presno Arizpe
David Puente Tostado
Luis Álvarez Cervantes
