Introduction to the SIQAL System
Less than a week after its launch, the SIQAL (Labor Complaints and Workplace Accidents System) has already received over 280 complaints from workers, according to Rodrigo del Valle, a partner at Mijares, Angoitia, Cortes y Fuentes. The Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) has acknowledged more than a hundred reports from workers, as stated by the STPS figures.
In just under a week of operation, the SIQAL system has gathered 281 reports, with 240 being complaints, 10% related to breaches of collective labor contracts, and 5% concerning workplace accidents.
Simplified Reporting Process
Del Valle, a labor law specialist, explained that the platform allows any citizen to effortlessly file a complaint, report workplace accidents, or labor contract breaches. This notifies the authority about irregularities and prompts them to take action.
“The SIQAL system facilitates timely attention to labor reports, is free of charge, accessible to everyone, and centralizes and automates the reception of complaints. Essentially, you fill out a form, and it’s instantly on the radar of the Secretaría del Trabajo,” he clarified.
During his presentation “Changing the Rules of the Game: Adapting to Mexico’s Labor Reforms” at People Day 2025, organized by Buk, Del Valle shared that in the first 20 days of operation, SIQAL recorded nearly 300 reports. Consequently, labor inspections are likely to increase further in workplaces.
Labor Inspections for Equal Pay
Regarding labor inspections, Del Valle reminded the audience that in March of this year, the Comisión de Trabajo y Previsión Social del Senado initiated a legislative process concerning labor inspections for equal pay. This topic, he said, is highly likely to be approved and companies should prepare as the proposal aims to detect, correct, and prevent wage discrimination.
To achieve this, the authority will implement a monitoring system requiring companies to specify evaluation criteria and procedures for reviewing and information requests. In case of wage disparities, penalties of up to 565,700 pesos (5000 times the UMA) can be imposed per affected worker.
Del Valle noted that organizations, especially those with over 100 employees, must publish their salary structure, remuneration criteria, and gender representation in leadership positions semiannually.
This information must be accessible to both employees and authorities while respecting confidentiality and data protection.
Anticipating Changes in Working Hours
Del Valle pointed out that among the anticipated legislative discussions in Congress, such as leaves for mourning, medical exams, and mental health, one of the most eagerly awaited topics is reducing the standard workweek to 40 hours.
Although the STPS has yet to present this initiative as expected, Del Valle stated that avoiding a reduction in Mexico is no longer an option. Therefore, he emphasized that organizations must start planning how to implement the reduction.
He highlighted that one of the reform goals is to improve workers’ mental health and well-being, making it crucial for key leaders in human resources to have robust tools and adaptability.
Del Valle stressed that organizations should start preparing for this change, as the bill’s journey through Congress is expected to be swift once it reaches the Chamber of Deputies.
“It could happen at any moment, and we believe the discussion will be expedited. Once the bill is presented, we should stay vigilant for news of its approval in just a few days,” he concluded.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the SIQAL system? The SIQAL (Sistema de Quejas y Accidentes Laborales) is a platform that allows citizens to report labor-related issues, such as wage discrimination or workplace accidents, to the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS).
- What types of complaints has SIQAL received? In its first week, SIQAL received over 280 complaints, including 240 related to wage discrimination, 10% concerning breaches of collective labor contracts, and 5% about workplace accidents.
- What are the labor inspection changes for equal pay? The STPS will implement a monitoring system requiring companies to disclose their salary structures, remuneration criteria, and gender representation in leadership roles. Penalties may apply for wage disparities.
- What is expected regarding working hours? There are discussions about reducing the standard workweek to 40 hours. Although not yet presented, organizations should prepare for this potential change.
