Reforms and Additions to the Mexican Federal Labor Law “CHAIR LAW”

On December 19, 2024, a Decree was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (“DOF” by its acronym in Spanish) amending to Articles 132, 133, 422, and 424 of the Federal Labor Law, establishing new obligations and prohibitions for employers. This Decree will enter into force 180 calendar days from the date of its publication in the “DOF”, that is, on June 17, 2025. Consequently, employers will have 180 days from the entry into force of the Decree, that is, December 14, 2025, to make the necessary adjustments to their internal regulations in order to comply with the new provisions.

The Reform Decree establishes, among other provisions, the employer’s obligation to provide seats or chairs with backs to all workers in the service, commerce, and similar work sectors, so they can perform their duties or take periodic breaks during the workday. Furthermore, it stipulates that, for periodic breaks, the seats must be placed in specific areas designated for that purpose, which should be located within the workplace premises. It is important to emphasize that this measure will also apply in industrial establishments, if the nature of the work allows it.

The Decree establishes that the mandatory rest periods during the workday must be regulated in the Internal Work Regulations, as well as the provisions related to employees’ right to use seats or chairs with backs during the workday. Additionally, it prohibits employers from requiring workers to remain standing for the entire workday, and it further establishes a prohibition against employers preventing employees from sitting periodically during their work activities.

Finally, it is established that the Ministry of Labor (STPS by its acronym in Spanish)) must issue the corresponding regulations related to work-related risk factors, within a period not exceeding 30 calendar days from the date the Decree comes into force.

If additional information is required on this matter, interested parties are invited to contact the partners and associates of the firm, who will be available to provide the necessary support.

Yours sincerely,

Cannizzo