Senate Proposes 3% Hiring Quota for Workers With Disabilities

The Mexican Senate is reviewing a proposal to reform the Federal Labor Law (LFT) to require companies to ensure that at least 3% of their workforce is made up of people with disabilities. The initiative seeks to strengthen inclusion and equal opportunities in the labor market and reduce discrimination against this population group.

The reform, introduced by PRI Senator Claudia Anaya, proposes changes to several articles of the LFT, including Article 7, which would make it mandatory for employers to meet a minimum hiring quota for people with disabilities, cites El Economista. Anaya says the measure reflects a social and political obligation to create inclusive workplaces and ensure access to dignified employment.

While labor legislation prohibits discrimination based on disability, it does not establish a specific quota for hiring workers with disabilities. The law, however, already stipulates that at least 90% of employees must be Mexican nationals. The new proposal aims to fill this gap and align Mexican labor policy with international standards on inclusion and diversity.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), people with disabilities represent about 15% of the global population, and eight out of ten are of working age. However, many face barriers to employment due to lack of opportunities and workplace accessibility. In Mexico, only 40.6% of the 8.8 million people with disabilities participate in economic activity, according to the National Survey of Demographic Dynamics (ENADID) by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

The proposed reform also includes modifications to Articles 2 and 3 of the LFT to guarantee safe and adequate working conditions, introduce “reasonable adjustments” to ensure equal treatment, and prevent occupational risks. Article 132 would require employers to inform unions about new positions and vacancies to ensure that at least 3% of them are filled by workers with disabilities.

Additionally, the initiative suggests implementing a protocol to prevent workplace discrimination and amending Article 153-A to ensure training and advancement opportunities for employees with disabilities. These measures aim to promote equitable career growth and reduce the barriers many face in the job market.

INEGI data shows that only 1.5% of Mexico’s 7 million businesses employ workers with disabilities, with most working in microenterprises and few in large corporations. States such as Quintana Roo, Baja California Sur, Queretaro, Nuevo Leon, and Baja California report the highest levels of labor inclusion, with participation rates between 10% and 11%.

Anaya noted that inadequate infrastructure in public and private spaces continues to limit access to employment. She emphasized that updating the labor framework is a “social imperative” to ensure fair opportunities.

The Senate had previously discussed a similar initiative in the last legislative term, which was approved but stalled in the Chamber of Deputies. Lawmakers now aim to revive the proposal to advance Mexico’s commitments to international standards and promote inclusive economic participation.