Understanding SIQAL and Its Impact on Workplaces
The Sistema de Quejas y Accidentes Laborales (SIQAL) has made it easier for workers to report violations of their rights, but it has also brought the attention of Mexico’s Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS) to companies, particularly those with dissatisfied employees. Since the system’s implementation, over 200 complaints have been registered, leading to workplace inspections.
The Risks of SIQAL for Companies
Alberto Aguirre Gaviño, a partner at Aguirre Asesores Legales, notes that while SIQAL facilitates reporting workplace inequalities or the lack of dignified work, it also poses risks for organizations. He points out that there’s no certainty that all complaints on the platform are genuine, as only an email is required to file a complaint, and no proof of employment relationship with the employer is needed.
Consequences of Having Dissatisfied Employees
Workplace dissatisfaction not only increases conflicts, decreases productivity, and raises absenteeism within an organization but also affects employees’ health. If left unaddressed, it can create a hostile environment that encourages complaints.
Poor communication can lead to employees channeling personal issues through SIQAL. Experts like Estefanía Rueda from Littler explain that many Mexican companies still lack effective communication channels for employees to report incidents. With SIQAL offering anonymity and action, employees prefer using it.
Preventing Penalties from Authority Inspections
Aguirre Asesores Legales’ founder acknowledges that SIQAL aims to strengthen workplace inspections for better control. However, he emphasizes that companies with solid processes and genuine care for their employees are less likely to face penalties if they comply with labor laws.
Both Aguirre and Rueda agree that proactive internal policies and management within organizations are crucial to handling authority inspections. This requires measures focused on labor care and compliance, such as proper contract administration, job profile management, employee file maintenance, and legal support.
Aguirre recommends taking advantage of the Secretariat of Labor’s voluntary labor verification programs, which offer benefits like one-year exemption from routine inspections. This allows workplaces to concentrate on addressing extraordinary inspections.
To avoid penalties, Rueda advises maintaining up-to-date documentation, including contracts, payment receipts, training certificates, and labor safety records that prove employer compliance. Regular internal audits can help correct potential oversights, prevent discrimination, and address employee concerns before they escalate into external complaints.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is SIQAL? SIQAL is a system that allows workers to report labor rights violations, increasing workplace inspections by the Mexican Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS).
- What risks does SIQAL pose for companies? SIQAL can lead to unverified complaints, potentially targeting companies with dissatisfied employees. Without proper internal policies and labor compliance, organizations may face penalties from STPS inspections.
- How does workplace dissatisfaction impact organizations? Dissatisfaction can increase conflicts, decrease productivity, raise absenteeism, and negatively affect employees’ health. Poor communication can also lead to personal issues being channeled through SIQAL.
- How can companies prevent penalties from STPS inspections? Companies should implement proactive internal policies, maintain proper documentation, conduct regular internal audits, and ensure labor compliance to minimize risks from STPS inspections.
