Frequently Asked Questions by Employers Regarding Mexico’s ‘Chair Law’ (‘Ley Silla’)

Quick Hits

• The Chair Law (Ley Silla) is now enforceable, as well as complementary health and safety dispositions.
• Employers must analyze their workplace(s) to determine if adjustments are needed, especially if employees perform their services standing more than three continuous hours.

Question 1: Is the Chair Law applicable to all employers?

Answer 1: While the law was enacted focusing on the retail industry, it does not exempt employers in other industries. All employers may want to have evidence that they have analyzed their workplaces and, based on their analysis, have determined whether adjustments are necessary.

Question 2: How do I analyze my workplace and determine if I must adjust?

Answer 2: The health and safety dispositions issued on July 17, 2025, outline key elements for analysis. One of the most relevant questions employers must ask themselves is whether employees render their services in a standing position for more than three continuous hours. If the answer is yes, further analysis needs to take place to determine which corrective actions are feasible to implement.

Question 3: Do employees need to be seated at all times while rendering services?

Answer 3: No. The law aims to improve working conditions, so employees do not have to stand for their whole work shift, thereby preventing health and safety risks. However, the dispositions emphasize that safety shall be a priority. Per the services rendered by the employees, if the employees could be harmed while performing their services while sitting, chairs should not be in the workspace. Instead, employers should designate a specific place for sitting during employee work breaks.

Question 4: Is there a specific amount of time employees must be seated?

Answer 4: No. Neither the law nor its complementary health and safety dispositions establishes a duration for sitting breaks or rest periods. The law only stipulates that employees shall not stand for more than three continuous hours. The goal is to improve working conditions and ensure that employees are not prohibited from taking seated breaks when the nature of the work allows it.

Question 5: Are there additional actions that can be taken to prevent work risks for employees who render services in a standing position?

Answer 5: Yes. The complementary health and safety dispositions recommend:

• providing ergonomic footwear while standing; and
• adjusting the floors in the workplace so that they have a cushioned surface (e.g., mats, carpets, or soft anti-fatigue materials).

Ogletree Deakins’ Mexico City office will continue to monitor developments and will provide updates on the Cross-Border blog as additional information becomes available.

Pietro Straulino-Rodríguez is the managing partner of the Mexico City office of Ogletree Deakins.

Natalia Merino Moreno is an associate in the Mexico City office of Ogletree Deakins.

María José Bladinieres Ruiz is a law clerk in the Mexico City office of Ogletree Deakins.

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