Mexico Enacts Ley Silla, Mandating Seating for Workers

Ley Silla, a reform to Mexico’s Federal Labor Law, came into effect on June 17, mandating that employers provide adequate seating with back support for their workers, particularly in the commercial and service sectors. The legislation is designed to protect employees from the health risks associated with prolonged standing.

The new law requires businesses to supply a sufficient number of seats and prohibits forcing workers to stand for their entire shifts, reports MBN. Workplace regulations must also clearly define the appropriate use of seating. In industrial settings, the rule will only apply where the nature of the work allows for seated tasks.

The reform grants employers a 180-day period to comply, beginning from the date the reform was published in the Official Gazette, according to EY. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) has 30 days to issue technical guidelines related to occupational risks stemming from extended standing.

Ley Silla was originally proposed on Sept. 13, 2023, by Movimiento Ciudadano Senator Patricia Mercado. It introduces fines ranging from MX$27,142 (US$1,592) to MX$542,850 (US$31,838) for noncompliance. “The #LeySilla is an example of how important it is to listen to the everyday struggles people face,” writes Mercado on X.

The policy is grounded in research linking long periods of standing with a range of health issues, including cardiovascular problems. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that extended standing impairs venous return and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It can also contribute to lower back pain, varicose veins, tendinitis, and muscle fatigue.

By codifying the right to rest during work hours, Ley Silla marks a shift in Mexican labor standards, emphasizing preventative measures to improve long-term worker health and workplace conditions.

“Mexican government initiatives, such as reducing working hours and implementing the Ley Silla, signal an era of change,” writes Jonathan Albanil, COO, Dicka Logistics, on MBN.