Understanding the Ley Silla and Its Implications
On June 17, the first part of Mexico’s Ley Silla (Chair Law) came into effect, mandating that workplaces must provide seating and rest areas for workers. Cointa Lagunes, the director of Occupational Safety and Health Normation at the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS), clarified that while businesses have until December 14 to adjust their internal regulations, the right to rest on a chair during working hours is now enforceable and verifiable by authorities.
Key Points of the Ley Silla
- Purpose: The Ley Silla is a reform to the Federal Labor Law (LFT) that recognizes workers’ rights to rest on a chair with back support during their working hours.
- Previous Regulations: Although the LFT previously required employers to provide enough chairs for workers, this obligation was not linked to rest periods but rather as a work tool.
- New Enforcement: With the Ley Silla in effect, employers are now prohibited from denying rest periods or forcing workers to stand for the entire workday.
STPS Guidelines and Inspections
During her speech at the First National Encounter of Work Commissions of Local Congresses, Cointa Lagunes addressed concerns regarding the implementation of the Ley Silla. She emphasized that while there might be uncertainty about the number of chairs to provide or rest periods, these aspects are not subject to inspection. Instead, authorities will verify that workplaces have seating options for worker rest.
“The labor authority can schedule workplace visits to ensure that workers engaged in bipedal activities have access to a chair with back support, either at their workstation or another designated area within the workplace,” Lagunes reiterated.
Addressing Common Questions
- Which workers does the Ley Silla apply to? The nature of work only defines where the chair should be placed; the Ley Silla applies to all workers regardless of their occupation.
- What if a worker’s job doesn’t allow chair placement? Employers should not deny seating based on their interpretation. Instead, they must find a nearby area for workers to rest, even if it’s not their immediate workstation.
STPS Developing Ley Silla Information Guide
To address these concerns, the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social is creating an Information Guide on the Ley Silla. This non-obligatory resource will guide employers in applying the new regulations, focusing on workplace safety and health.
The guide will include a simple risk semiconductor (low, medium, or high) for standing workers, enabling workplaces to determine the appropriate chair type to offer.
Who is Cointa Lagunes and Why is She Relevant?
Cointa Lagunes serves as the director of Occupational Safety and Health Normation at the STPS, a crucial role in ensuring workers’ rights and safety in Mexico. Her recent statements clarify the Ley Silla’s enforcement, addressing common misconceptions and guiding both employers and employees toward compliance.
