New Amendment to the Federal Labor Law Aims to Create Safe, Respectful Work Environments
Starting in 2026, Mexican employers may be required to provide training on preventing violence against women as part of an amendment to the Federal Labor Law (LFT). This change aims to foster safe, respectful workplaces free from aggression and discrimination.
Current Obligations Under the LFT
The LFT already mandates that employers offer training to prepare workers for available or newly created positions, enhancing their living standards, labor skills, and productivity. This training has traditionally focused on professional development but may soon expand to include preventing and eliminating gender-based violence in the workplace.
Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in Mexico
According to the National Institute of Women (INMUJERES), nearly seven out of ten women over 15 have experienced some form of violence, indicating a high level of aggression occurring in various settings, including workplaces and homes.
Microaggressions in the Workplace
A study by Buk highlights that women frequently face microaggressions in the workplace, such as being constantly interrupted and having their opinions questioned solely based on their gender. This form of discrimination hinders women’s professional growth and career advancement.
- Mansplaining: A common form of workplace violence where a male colleague or superior explains something to a woman that she already knows.
- Frequent interruptions during meetings: At least 54% of women report that simply being female has hindered their professional progress.
- Unfair comparisons: 44% of women face unfavorable comparisons implying they are unqualified for their jobs.
- Lack of recognition: 40% of women’s contributions are either unrecognized or credited to someone else, often due to superficial aspects of their appearance.
These microaggressions diminish women’s sense of security and limit their growth opportunities, exacerbating issues like the gender wage gap, sexual harassment, and other forms of discrimination.
Mexico’s Efforts to Eradicate Gender-Based Violence
Given the challenges faced by working women, the Senate seeks to ensure violence-free environments by strengthening existing laws that promote respect for human rights and dignified workplaces.
While the Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS) offers a Protocol Model to prevent, address, and eradicate workplace violence, the proposed labor law reform aims to educate society and create safer, more respectful work environments.
Mandating employers to provide training that helps eliminate workplace violence and increase awareness of discrimination and aggression aligns with other regulations in this area. This new requirement for employers will take effect the day after publication in the Federal Register, making it enforceable.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the proposed change to the Federal Labor Law? The amendment requires employers to offer training on preventing violence against women, fostering safe and respectful work environments.
- Why is this change necessary? Nearly seven out of ten women in Mexico have experienced some form of violence, indicating a high level of aggression in various settings, including workplaces.
- What are microaggressions in the workplace? Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional comments or behaviors that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights towards marginalized groups, in this case, women.
- What impact do microaggressions have on working women? Microaggressions diminish women’s sense of security and limit their growth opportunities, exacerbating issues like the gender wage gap, sexual harassment, and other forms of discrimination.
- When will this new requirement take effect? The new obligation for employers to provide training on preventing violence against women will take effect the day after publication in the Federal Register.
