Ley Silla Becomes a Reality: Boosting Workers' Health

Ley Silla, a reform aimed at ensuring workers can sit during their shifts, has been approved by the Senate. With this decision, the amendment to the Federal Labor Law (LFT) has completed its legislative process and now awaits publication in the Official Gazette (DOF) to take effect. 

This reform is designed to prioritize worker health, addressing the well-documented risks of prolonged standing. Research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology highlights that extended standing is associated with severe health issues such as heart attacks and strokes, linked to impaired venous return. Additionally, it has been shown to contribute to fatigue, tendinitis, varicose veins, muscle strain, and lower back pain.

The provisions primarily apply to businesses in the commercial, service, and similar sectors. In industrial workplaces, the requirements will be implemented only “when the nature of the work allows it.” Employers will have 180 days from the publication of the reform in the DOF to comply with the new standards. Furthermore, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) will have 30 days to establish detailed regulations on occupational risks associated with prolonged standing.

Ley Silla was proposed on Sept. 13, 2023, by Patricia Mercado, Senator, Movimiento Ciudadano.  The proposal forces employers to have the necessary number of seats for their workers in the Retail and Services sector. In addition, it prohibits employers from forcing their employees to remain standing during their entire workday. If they do so, they will be fined between MX$27,142 (US$1,591.8) and MX$542,850 (US$31,838.36).