Background and Relevance of the “Ley Silla”
The “Ley Silla,” or the Stool Law, is a significant labor regulation change that took effect on December 15, 2025. This new legislation mandates workplaces to ensure the right to rest for workers engaged in bipedal activities, as announced by Mexico’s Secretariat of Labor (STPS).
Origins and Implementation
The “Ley Silla” stems from a December 19, 2024, decree and labor risk factors regulations issued on June 17, 2025. As of December 15, 2025, all obligations under this law are fully enforceable for industrial, commercial, and service sector employers.
Key Obligations Under the “Ley Silla”
- Employer Responsibility: Employers must provide seats or chairs with backrests at the workstation for standing workers, allowing them to alternate postures without interrupting their tasks.
- Alternative Rest Areas: If the nature of work prevents placing a chair at the workstation, employers must set up nearby areas with seating and agree on the number of breaks and their duration to ensure effective rest during the workday.
- Regulation Interior Adjustments: Workplaces must explicitly address risk factors related to bipedal work, employee entitlements to breaks, and the location and availability of seating or chairs with backrests within the workplace.
STPS Enforcement and Goals
The STPS has stated that compliance with the “Ley Silla” will be integrated into the 2026 Annual Inspection Program. This initiative aims to verify proper implementation and support workplaces during this regulatory adaptation process.
Benefits of the “Ley Silla”
According to the STPS, these measures aim to decrease fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries, strengthen labor risk prevention, and contribute to both worker well-being and productivity.
By fully enforcing the “Ley Silla,” the STPS reaffirms its commitment to dignifying work, promoting labor health, and constructing safe working environments aligned with the principles of decent work.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “Ley Silla”? The “Ley Silla,” or Stool Law, is a labor regulation change that mandates workplaces to ensure rest for workers engaged in standing activities.
- When did the “Ley Silla” take effect? The “Ley Silla” entered into force on December 15, 2025.
- What are the key obligations under the “Ley Silla”? Employers must provide seats or chairs with backrests, establish nearby rest areas when necessary, and adjust the Regulation Interior of Work to address bipedal work risks.
- How will the “Ley Silla” be enforced? The STPS will incorporate compliance with the “Ley Silla” into the 2026 Annual Inspection Program to verify proper implementation and support workplaces during adaptation.
- What are the benefits of the “Ley Silla”? The law aims to reduce fatigue and injuries, strengthen labor risk prevention, and promote worker well-being and productivity.
