“Chair Law”: New employer obligations in Mexico.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the reform to the Federal Labor Law known as the “Chair Law” came into effect. This reform was previously published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on December 19, 2024.

The reform establishes a new employer obligation: to provide a sufficient number of seats or chairs with backrests for all workers in the service, retail, and similar sectors, either for the performance of their duties or for periodic rest during the workday. Additionally, it prohibits employers from requiring workers to remain standing throughout their entire shift.

Regarding periodic breaks, the regulation states that the chairs or seats with backrests must be located in designated areas within the workplace. This provision also applies to industrial establishments, as long as the nature of the work allows it.

It is important to note that, as of June 17, 2025, workplaces have an additional period of 180 calendar days to update their Internal Work Regulations and to implement internal policies making rest periods during the workday mandatory, as well as rules regulating workers’ rights to use chairs or seats with backrests.

Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare must issue, within 30 days of the reform's entry into force, specific standards on occupational risk factors related to this new employer obligation.

It is important to consider that non-compliance with this reform may result in sanctions ranging from 250 to 5,000 UMAs, as well as temporary suspension of operations for the offending workplace.

We remain at your service to provide guidance and support during the implementation process of this reform. For more information or personalized assistance, we invite you to contact us.