Introduction
The second half of the year is shaping up to be a very active period for labor agendas. In the coming months, discussions on reducing the workweek will commence, while simultaneously, the implementation of Ley Silla and digital platform work regulations will begin. June is a crucial month for all three topics.
Ley Silla Implementation
June 17: Ley Silla takes effect, requiring employers to provide a rest seat with back support during working hours. The reform to the Federal Labor Law (LFT) was promulgated in December 2024, granting an 180-day transition period that concludes this month.
This reform primarily targets workplaces in the commerce, services, and related sectors. In industrial activities, provisions will only apply if the nature of work permits it.
Following June 17, the Secretaría del Trabajo and Previsión Social (STPS) will have 30 natural days to issue corresponding norms, which are expected to be guidelines.
Ley Silla aims to prevent health risks associated with prolonged standing, recognizing the right to rest and prohibiting employers from forcing employees to maintain a vertical posture throughout their workday. It also regulates seat usage through internal regulations.
40-Hour Workweek Discussion
June 19: STPS will begin coordinating forums to construct a consensus project gradually leading to a 40-hour workweek by 2030. These forums will conclude on July 7, with a proposed package expected to be sent to the Union Congress for analysis during the next legislative session, starting in September.
The Secretaría del Trabajo has already selected entities for these forums: Ciudad de México, Nuevo León, Jalisco, Baja California, Querétaro, and Quintana Roo.
Digital Platform Work Regulation
June 27: The mandatory affiliation pilot program to the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) for app-based workers will commence. This exercise aims to propose adjustments to the social security regime for those working on digital platforms.
The digital platform reform was promulgated in December 2024, adding a new chapter to the Federal Labor Law to regulate app-based work with specific rules. It ensures full access to social security for couriers and drivers earning monthly income equal to or above the minimum wage, along with accident coverage for all, regardless of earnings generated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Ley Silla? Ley Silla is a labor reform that mandates employers to provide a rest seat with back support during working hours, primarily targeting commerce, services, and related sectors to prevent health risks associated with prolonged standing.
- When does Ley Silla take effect? Ley Silla takes effect on June 17, 2025.
- What is the purpose of the 40-hour workweek discussion? The discussion aims to gradually implement a 40-hour workweek by 2030, with forums concluding on July 7, 2025, and a proposed package expected to be sent to the Union Congress for analysis.
- What does the digital platform work regulation entail? The reform ensures full access to social security for couriers and drivers earning monthly income equal to or above the minimum wage, along with accident coverage for all, regardless of earnings generated.
