Introduction
The recently enacted Silla Law, a reform to the Federal Labor Law in Mexico, mandates that workers cannot be forced to stand for their entire workday and requires employers to provide seating with back support in sectors like commerce, services, and restaurants. The law also stipulates the existence of adequate rest areas outside meal times.
Background on the Silla Law
The Silla Law, officially known as the Federal Labor Law reform, took effect on June 17, 2025. This law aims to transform the labor culture in Mexico’s hospitality industry by ensuring workers have the right to sit during their work hours.
Implementation in the Hospitality Industry
Bistronomie from El Economista interviewed ten workers in various types of restaurants across Mexico City to understand the implementation of this new law. These establishments range from fondas and taquerias to chain cafes, luxury restaurants, and international burger joints.
Positive Changes Across Different Restaurant Types
Despite the fact that breaks may not always align with peak hours, workers unanimously celebrated the new law. They emphasized that having a seat available, even for a short time, significantly improves their end-of-day experience.
- Cafeteria Worker: “After 8 hours standing, a chair is like medicine. Before, we only sat when the boss wasn’t looking. Now, they’ve even given us a small shaded terrace.”
- Restaurant Cooks: “I’ve been in the kitchen for 18 years. Previously, you’d get used to back pain. Now, even if it’s just for a few minutes, you can sit to peel potatoes, chop vegetables, or just stretch your legs. It’s priceless.”
Implementation in Informal Establishments
While the law applies to all establishments, its implementation has been more relaxed in informal settings like taquerias and fondas. Workers acknowledged that when there’s low customer traffic, they often sit without being explicitly forbidden.
Key Takeaways from Informal Establishments
“We don’t have strict rules, but we do have our chairs for snacking or waiting for customers. We’re not standing all day, but we also don’t have scheduled breaks,” shared María, an assistant at a Centro fonda.
Respecting the New Legal Framework
Interviewed workers confirmed that companies and management are respecting the new legal framework. They noted that during peak hours, such as between 1 and 4 PM or on busy weekend evenings, sitting might not be possible. However, workers don’t feel their right to rest is being denied later in the day.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The decreto, published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on December 18, 2024, obliges employers to modify their internal work regulations and install appropriate furniture. Failure to comply can result in financial penalties from the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) and worker denunciations.
Beyond Legal Compliance: A Step Towards Dignity
Beyond mere legal compliance, many workers view the Silla Law as a reclamation of their labor dignity. It’s not just about sitting; it’s about acknowledging the importance of their physical well-being.
