Overview of the Silla Law and Its Impact
As of this week, companies are obligated to incorporate the right to rest during working hours and establish policies governing breaks into their internal work regulations. The Silla Law, a reform to the Mexican Federal Labor Law (LFT), mandates both the right to rest during work hours and the regulation of break times, which employers had 180 days to adjust their internal rules to since its implementation in June of this year.
Key Changes and Obligations
- Full Enforcement: The Silla Law is now fully enforceable, requiring companies to include rest rights and break regulations in their internal work rules.
- Documentation Requirement: Workplace inspections can now demand documentation proving the inclusion of rest rights and break regulations in internal work rules.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations of the Silla Law can result in fines ranging from 28,285 to 282,850 pesos per affected worker.
Historical Context and Relevance
The Silla Law, enacted as a reform to the Mexican Federal Labor Law, acknowledges workers’ rights to rest on a chair with back support during working hours. Previously, labor legislation only obliged employers to provide seating, but it was viewed more as a work tool rather than a health and safety measure.
This regulatory change aims to prevent risks associated with prolonged standing, such as fatigue, tendonitis, varicose veins, knee injuries, muscle pain, plantar fasciitis, and lower back pain.
Although new in Mexico, the right to rest is recognized in similar economies like Chile and Argentina.
Who is Affected and How?
The Silla Law applies to all workers, regardless of their industry. The nature of the work determines whether employees can work seated or if the company should designate a specific area for seating.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Silla Law? The Silla Law is a reform to Mexico’s Federal Labor Law that recognizes workers’ rights to rest on a chair with back support during working hours.
- How does the Silla Law differ from previous regulations?
- What are the consequences of non-compliance? Non-compliant companies may face fines ranging from 28,285 to 282,850 pesos per affected worker.
- Which industries are impacted? The Silla Law applies to all industries and is not limited to specific sectors.
- When did the Silla Law take effect? The Silla Law became enforceable in its entirety starting from June of this year, with companies having 180 days to adjust their internal work regulations.
Previously, employers were only obligated to provide seating; however, the Silla Law mandates that rest rights and break regulations be included in internal work rules as a health and safety measure.
