A new law aimed at protecting workers from the health risks of prolonged standing has officially taken effect across Mexico. Under the so-called “Chair Law” (Ley Silla), employers must now provide seating and allow employees to take seated breaks when possible — or face steep fines.

Approved by Congress in late 2024 and published in the Official Gazette on December 19, the law gave employers 180 days to comply. The measure primarily targets the service and retail sectors, where staff are often required to stand throughout their entire shifts.

The law obliges employers to:

  • Provide a sufficient number of chairs with backrests

  • Allow employees to sit and rest when the nature of their work allows

  • Ensure workspaces accommodate both standing and seated positions

  • Include seated rest periods in company regulations

  • Educate employees about the health risks of prolonged standing

According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), prolonged standing — defined as standing more than an hour without movement or more than four hours a day — can lead to a range of health issues. These include lower back pain, swollen legs, varicose veins, foot and joint problems, and even cardiovascular complications.

By addressing these risks, the law aims to reduce workplace-related injuries and long-term disabilities, benefiting both employees and employers.

Although the law’s language focuses on service and retail employers, it doesn’t explicitly exempt other industries. This means the new requirements could apply to most workplaces in Mexico.

Workers who believe their employers are not complying with the Chair Law can file a complaint with the Labor Ministry. Penalties range from 28,000 to 280,000 pesos (roughly US $1,470 to $14,720). Repeat violations may result in business closures.

Former presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, an advocate of the reform, recently visited an Oxxo store in Toluca to speak with workers about their new rights under the law.