Mexico’s Ley Silla: 50% of Auto Firms Adopt Employer Seating

The “Ley Silla,” a regulation mandating that employers provide adequate seating and rest areas for workers in Mexico, officially came into effect this Tuesday. However, companies are still awaiting detailed compliance criteria from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), which is expected to release operational risk guidelines within 30 days.

In the automotive sector, implementation is already underway. According to Rogelio Padilla de León, General Secretary of the Automotive and Metalworking Industry Union, approximately 50% of companies have made adjustments to align with the new law.

“This percentage reflects the nature of our processes,” Padilla de León explained. “In this sector, most tasks are performed standing. Adjustments have been made in areas where seating is feasible.”

The union representative clarified that these figures represent preliminary changes as companies await further inspections. “The remaining 50% are waiting for labor inspectors from STPS to outline how compliance can be achieved,” he added.

Padilla de León also noted that most automotive companies already have recreational areas to accommodate the long shifts typical in the industry. These break zones provide employees with rest periods, even in cases where seating at workstations is not practical.

“In some work environments, placing a chair or bench is not feasible,” he said. “We are waiting for site visits from trained inspectors to determine alternative measures for reducing risks. Rest periods may be mandated in lieu of requiring seated work in these cases.”

Some companies have introduced recreational spaces with games, reading areas, table tennis, and vending machines to offer rest opportunities where seating cannot be integrated directly into production lines.

Padilla de León acknowledged resistance from certain companies. “Some have avoided making changes to sidestep potential costs, fearing that modifications could later be deemed non compliant by authorities,” he remarked.