Deputies Pass Law on Workers' Rest Rights

The Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved an initiative to reform the Federal Labor Law, focusing on workers' right to rest during work hours. The initiative, presented by Deputy Ricardo Monreal of the Morena party, received 476 votes in favor and was co-signed by leaders from the PAN, PVEM, PT, PRI, and MC parties.

The new measure mandates employers to provide an adequate number of seats or chairs with back support for employees in the service, retail, and similar sectors, as reported by the Chamber of Deputies. These seating arrangements are to be made available for employees to execute their duties or to rest periodically throughout their workday.

The approved initiative requires that seating be available for periodic breaks and  located in designated areas within the workplace. Furthermore, the legislation prohibits employers from forcing employees to stand for their entire work hours or from denying them the option to sit during their duties.

Additionally, the proposal aims to include mandatory rest periods in the workplace's internal regulations, ensuring workers can utilize the provided seating facilities during their breaks.

The approved legislation reforms several existing articles of the Federal Labor Law, specifically Articles 132, 133, 422, and 423, and adds a new section to Article 133. Following its swift approval, the bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.

In presenting the initiative, Monreal emphasized that it seeks to improve working conditions for those employed in various sectors, including retail and service industries. He noted that access to proper seating during work hours could prevent serious health issues related to circulation and other conditions that arise from prolonged standing.

The “Silla Law” is seen as a measure of justice for a segment of the workforce that has long been overlooked, according to Monreal. He stated that it does not impose a financial burden on employers, instead offering them a framework to ensure their employees' well-being.