Background on STPS and the New SiQAL System
The Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) in Mexico has unveiled the new Sistema de Quejas y Accidentes Laborales (SiQAL), aiming to empower workers and the general public to report labor law violations. This initiative seeks transparency in labor complaint processes and ensures adherence to the law.
Who is Alejandro Salafranca and Fernando Siliceo?
Alejandro Salafranca is the Director of the Unidad de Trabajo Digno within the STPS, while Fernando Siliceo serves as the Director of Federal de Inspección del Trabajo. Both officials played crucial roles in introducing the SiQAL system during a press conference.
Key Features and Anticipated Impact of SiQAL
The new SiQAL system will enable reporting of various workplace irregularities, such as unpaid utility allowances, non-compliance with the Ley Silla, continued use of outsourcing schemes for hiring, and improper payment of year-end bonuses.
- Increased Transparency: SiQAL aims to make the complaint process more transparent and ensure labor law compliance.
- Empowering Citizens: The system empowers both workers and the general public to report violations, acting as an extension of STPS inspections.
- Automated Updates: Denunciants will receive prompt updates on their complaint’s status and progress.
- Expanded Reporting Scope: Any individual, not just directly affected workers, can report observed irregularities. The system will automatically redirect non-STPS related matters to the appropriate authority.
Projected Increase in Complaints
Currently, STPS handles 3,000 to 5,000 complaints annually with a near-100% attention rate. With the introduction of SiQAL, the organization anticipates a significant increase, potentially reaching 5,000 to 10,000 complaints per year.
Inspection Goals for 2025
Fernando Siliceo reported that over 42,000 inspections are planned for 2025. By the end of the third quarter, more than 30,000 inspections have already been conducted, positioning the organization to surpass its annual target.
Importance of Citizen Participation
Salafranca emphasized the significance of public involvement in labor law enforcement. He stated, “Citizens and workers are the eyes of inspection,” acknowledging that the number of inspectors cannot cover all workplaces. Thus, public reporting of irregularities becomes essential for STPS to strategically focus inspections and safeguard labor rights.
Key Benefits of SiQAL
- Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface facilitates the collection of necessary information for timely attention, including detailed descriptions and locations.
- Automatic Redirection: If a complaint involves matters outside STPS’s jurisdiction, the system will automatically forward it to the relevant authority.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the new SiQAL system? The SiQAL system aims to empower workers and citizens to report labor law violations, ensuring transparency in the complaint process and promoting legal compliance.
- How will SiQAL impact the number of complaints received annually? The STPS anticipates a significant increase, potentially reaching 5,000 to 10,000 complaints per year.
- What are the inspection goals for 2025? Over 42,000 inspections are planned for 2025.
- Why is citizen participation crucial for labor law enforcement? Public reporting of irregularities allows STPS to strategically focus inspections and protect labor rights, as the number of inspectors cannot cover all workplaces.
