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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
W . N. DOAK, Secretary

BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
CHARLES E. BALDWIN, Acting Commissioner

BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES \
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS/

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J jO e D 05J

FOREIGN LABOR LAWS SERIES

LABOR LEGISLATION
OF MEXICO

/v \

OCTOBER, 1932

UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON * 1932

For sale by th« Superintendent <?f D o^m ents, Washington! D, C.




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Price 10 cent*

Acknowledgment
This translation of the labor law of Mexico was made under the
direction of Ethel Y. Larson, of the Bureau of Labor Statistics,




Contents
Page

Introduction and summary---------------------------------------------------------------Text of legislation—Federal labor law:
Part 1.— General provisions_____________________________________
Part 2.—The labor contract____________________________________
Chapter 1.— The individual labor contract___________________
Chapter 2.— The collective labor contract____________________
Chapter 3.— Working hours and legal rest days_______________
Chapter 4.— Wages________________________________________
Chapter 5.— Minimum wage________________________________
Chapter 6.— Work rules____________________________________
Chapter 7.— Work of women and children____________________
Chapter 8.— Obligations of employers------ -----------------------------Chapter 9.— Obligations of workers__________________________
Chapter 10.— Modification of labor contracts_________________
Chapter 11.—Suspension of labor contracts___________________
Chapter 12.—Rescission of labor contracts___________________
Chapter 13.— Termination of labor contracts_________________
Chapter 14.— Domestic labor_______________________________
Chapter 15.— Work on the sea and in navigable waters________
Chapter 16.— Railway labor_________________________________
Chapter 17.— Agricultural labor_____________________________
Chapter 18.— Small industries, family industries, and home work.
Part 3.— Apprenticeship contract________________________________
Part 4.— Unions________________________________________________
Part 5.— Coalitions, strikes, and lockouts_________________________
Part 6.— Occupational hazards__________________________________
Schedule of occupational diseases___________________________
Schedule of valuations of disabilities________________________
Part 7.— Statute of limitations__________________________________
Part 8.— Labor authorities and their jurisdiction__________________
Chapter 1.— Authorities in general___________________________
Chapter 2.— Municipal boards of conciliation_________________
Chapter 3.— Central boards of conciliation and arbitration------Chapter 4.— Federal boards of conciliation___________________
Chapter 5.— Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration------Chapter 6.— Election of representatives of workers and of em­
ployers on central and Federal boards of conciliation and arbi­
tration__________________________________________________
Chapter 7.— Labor inspectors_______________________________
Chapter 8.— Office of the attorney for the defense of labor....... .
Chapter 9.—Special minimum wage commissions and manner of
fixing minimum wage_____________________________________
Chapter 10.—Competency__________________________________
Part 9.— Procedure before the boards____________________________
Chapter 1.— General provisions_____________________________
Chapter 2.— Challenges_____________________________________
Chapter 3.— Conciliation before municipal and Federal boards of
conciliation______________________________________________
Chapter 4.—Procedure before central and Federal boards of con­
ciliation and arbitration__________________________________
Chapter 5.—Precautionary measures_____________________ ___
Chapter 6.—Third parties__________________________________
Chapter 7.— Disputes of economic nature____________________
Chapter 8.—Execution of awards____________________________
Part 10.—Liabilities____________________________________________
Part 11.— Penalties_____________________________________________
Transitory_____________________________________________________




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BULLETIN OF THE

U. S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
WASHINGTON

n o . 569

o c t o b e r , 1932

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

Introduction and Summary

The new labor law of Mexico which, after being passed by sub­
stantial majorities in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, was
signed by President P. Ortiz Rubio on August 18, 1931, became
effective on the date of its publication in the Diario Oficial, namely,
August 28, 1931. At the same time the existing State labor laws
were repealed, so that the new Federal legislation became applicable
to the whole country.
In giving a summary of the law it is first necessary to call atten­
tion to article 123 of the Mexican Constitution of 1917, which pro­
vided that Congress and the State legislatures should enact labor
laws based on the general principles laid down therein. Mexico
is a federation of 28 States, 3 Territories, and a Federal District,
and the National Congress was empowered to enact labor legisla­
tion only for the Federal District and Territories and concerning
certain enterprises, such as mines and railways.
A decree creating boards of conciliation and arbitration and one
establishing a weekly rest day were among the few passed by the
National Congress. Of the 28 States, 19 enacted comprehensive
labor laws, while the others passed very incomplete legislation on
labor, if any.
Many disputes arose as to the interpretation of the labor laws,
and it was urged that labor legislation be placed under Federal
jurisdiction. A special session of the Mexican Congress was held
from July 25 to August 22, 1929, to act on constitutional amend­
ments authorizing the federalization of labor legislation, which
were necessary before the proposed Federal labor law, which was
prepared under the provisional Government of Portes Gil, could be
considered. A translation of the amended articles, as adopted, is as
follows:
A rt. 73. Congress has the power:

* * *
X.
To legislate for the entire Republic concerning mining, commerce, and
credit institutions; to establish a sole bank of issue in accordance with article
28 of the constitution, and to enact labor laws regulating article 123 of the
constitution. The application of the labor laws corresponds to the State
authorities, in their respective jurisdictions, except in cases which refer to the
railways and other transportation enterprises operating under Federal conces­
sion, to mining, and to petroleum, and finally to labor performed on the sea
and in the maritime zones, in the manner and terms which regulatory provisions
shall fix. * * *
A rt. 123. Without violating the following bases, Congress shall enact labor
laws which shall regulate the labor of manual laborers, day laborers, office
employees, household servants, and artisans, and generally all labor
contracts. * ♦ *




1

2

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

XXIX.
The enactment of a social Insurance law is considered of public
utility, and said law shall include insurance against sickness, death, involun­
tary unemployment, invalidity, accident, and for other analogous purposes.

A translation of article 123 of the Mexican Constitution of 1917, of
which the new law is an amplification, is given below.
Federal Constitution o f 1917 as Modified bit C onstitu tional Amendment of

1929
Pabt 6.—Labor and social welfare
A r t i c l e 123. The Congress of the Union, without violating the following bases,
shall enact labor laws which shall regulate the work of manual workers, day
laborers, office employees, domestic servants, and artisans and, in general, all
labor contracts.
I. Eight hours shall be the maximum limit of a day’s work.
II. The maximum limit of night work shall be seven hours. Unhealthful and
dangerous occupations are forbidden to all women and to children under 16
years of age. Night work in factories is likewise forbidden to women and to
children under 16 years of age; nor shall they be employed in commercial
establishments after 10 o’clock at night.
III. The maximum limit of a day’s work for children over 12 and under 16
years of age shall be six hours. The work of children under 12 years of age
can not be made the object of a contract.
IV. Every workman shall enjoy at least one day’s rest for every six days’
work.
V. Women shall not perform any physical work requiring considerable physi­
cal effort during the three months immediately preceding parturition; during
the month following parturition they shall necessarily enjoy a period of rest
and shall receive their salaries or wages in full and retain their employment
and the rights they may have acquired under their contracts. During the
period of lactation they shall enjoy two extra daily periods of rest of one-half
hour each in order to nurse their children.
VI. The minimum wage to be received by a workman shall be that con­
sidered sufficient, according to the conditions prevailing in the respective region
of the country, to satisfy the normal needs of the life of the workman, his
education, and his lawful pleasures, considering him as the head of a family.
In all agricultural, commercial, manufacturing, or mining enterprises the work­
men shall have the right to participate in the profits in the manner fixed in
Clause IX of this article.
VII. The same compensation shall be paid for the same work without regard
to sex or nationality.
VIII. The minimum wage shall be exempt from attachment, set-off, or
discount.
IX. The determination of the minimum wage and of the rate of profit sharing
described in Clause VI shall be made by special commissions to be appointed
in each municipality and to be subordinated to the central board of conciliation
to be established in each State.
X. All wages shall be paid in legal currency and shall not be paid in mer­
chandise, orders, counters, or any other representative token with which it is
sought to substitute money.
XI. When owing to special circumstances it becomes necessary to increase
the working hours there shall be paid as wages for the overtime 100 per cent
more than those fixed for regular time. In no case shall the overtime exceed
three hours nor continue for more than three consecutive days; and no women
of whatever age nor boys under 16 years of age may engage in overtime work.
XII. In every agricultural, industrial, mining, or similar class of work
employers are bound to furnish their workmen comfortable and sanitary
dwelling places, for which they may charge rents not exceeding one-half of
1 per cent per month of the assessed value of the properties. They shall
likewise establish schools, dispensaries, and other services necessary to the
community. If the factories are located within inhabited places and more
than 100 persons are employed therein, the first of the above-mentioned condi­
tions shall be complied with.




INTRODUCTION' AND SUMMARY

3

XIII. Furthermore, there shall be set aside in these labor centers, whenever
their population exceeds 200 inhabitants, a space of land not less than 5,000
square meters for the establishment of public markets, and the construction of
buildings designed for municipal services and places of amusement. No saloons
nor gambling houses shall be permitted in such labor centers.
XIV. Employers shall be liable for industrial accidents and occupational dis­
eases arising from work; therefore, employers shall pay the proper indemnity,
according to whether death or merely temporary or permanent disability has
ensued, in accordance with the provisions of law. This liability shall remain in
force even though the employer contract for the work through an agent.
XV. Employers shall be bound to observe in the installation of their estab­
lishments all the provisions of law regarding hygiene and sanitation and to
adopt adequate measures to prevent accidents due to the use of machinery,
tools, and working materials, as well as to organize work in such a manner as
to assure the greatest guaranties possible for the health and lives of workmen
compatible with the nature of the work, under penalties which the law shall
determine.
XVI. Workmen and employers shall have the right to unite for the defense
of their respective interests by forming unions, associations, etc.
XVII. The law shall recognize the right of workmen and employers to strike
and to suspend work.
XVIII. Strikes shall be lawful when by the employment of peaceful means
they shall aim to bring about a balance between the various factors of pro­
duction, and to harmonize the rights of capital and labor. In public services,
the workmen shall be obliged to give notice 10 days in advance to the board of
conciliation and arbitration of the date set for the suspension of work. Strikes
shall be considered unlawful only when the majority of the strikers shall resort
to acts of violence against persons or property, or in case of war when the
strikers belong to establishments and services dependent on the Government.
Employees of military manufacturing establishments of the Federal Govern­
ment shall not be included in the provisions of this clause, inasmuch as they
are a dependency of the national army.
XIX. Lockouts shall be lawful only when the excess of production shall
render it necessary to shut down in order to maintain prices reasonably above
the cost of production, subject to the approval of the board of conciliation and
arbitration.
XX. Differences or disputes between capital and labor shall be submitted for
settlement to a board of conciliation and arbitration to consist of an equal
number of representatives of the workmen and of the employers and of one
representative of the Government.
XXI. If the employer shall refuse to submit his differences to arbitration or
to accept the award rendered by the board, the labor contract shall be con­
sidered as terminated, and the employer shall be bound to indemnify the work­
man by the payment to him of three months’ wages, in addition to the liability
which he may have incurred by reason of the dispute. If the workman rejects
the award, the contract will be held to have terminated.
XXII. An employer who discharges a workman without proper cause or for
having joined a union or for having taken part in a lawful strike shall be
bound, at the option of the workman, either to perform the contract or to
indemnify him by the payment of three months* wages. He shall incur the
same liability if the workman shall leave his service on account of the lack of
good faith on the part of the employer or of maltreatment either as to his own
person or that of his wife, parents, children, or brothers or sisters. The em­
ployer can not evade this liability when the maltreatment is inflicted by
subordinates or agents acting with his consent or knowledge.
XXIII. Claims of workmen for salaries or wages which have accrued during
the past year and other indemnity claims shall be preferred over any other
claims in cases of bankruptcy or execution proceedings.
XXIV. Debts contracted by workmen in favor of their employers or their
employers’ associates, subordinates, or agents, may be charged only against the
workmen themselves, and in no case and for no reason collected from the
members of his family. Nor shall such debts be paid by the taking of more
than the entire wages of the workman for any one month.
XXY. No fee shall be charged for finding work for workmen by municipal
offices, employment bureaus, or other public or private agencies.




4

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

XXVI. Every contract between a Mexican citizen and a foreign principal
shall be legalized before the competent municipal authority and visaed by the
consul of the nation to which the workman is undertaking to go, on the under­
standing that in addition to the usual clauses special and clear provisions shall
be inserted for the payment by the foreign principal making the contract of the
cost to the laborer of repatriation.
XXVII. The following stipulations shall be null and void and shall not bind
the contracting parties, even though embodied in the contract:
(a)
Stipulations providing for an inhuman day’s work on account of its notori­
ous excessiveness, in view of the nature of the work.
(&)
Stipulations providing for a wage rate which in the judgment of the
board of conciliation and arbitration is not remunerative.
(c) Stipulations providing for a term of more than one week before the pay­
ment of wages.
( d) Stipulations providing for the assigning of places of amusement, eating
places, caf6s, taverns, saloons, or shops for the payment of wages, when em­
ployees of such establishments are not involved.
(e ) Stipulations involving a direct or indirect obligation to purchase articles
of consumption in specified shops or places.
if) Stipulations permitting the retention of wages by way of fines.
(g) Stipulations constituting a waiver on the part of the workman of the
indemnities to which he may become entitled by reason of industrial accidents or
occupational diseases, damages for nonperformance of the contract, or for
discharge from work.
(h) All other stipulations implying the waiver of some right vested in the
workman by labor laws.
XXVIII. The law shall decide what property constitutes the family estate.
These goods shall be inalienable and may not be mortgaged, garnisheed, or
attached, and may be bequeathed and inherited with simplified formalities in
the succession proceedings.
XXIX. The enactment of a social insurance law is considered of public utility,
and said law shall include insurance against sickness, death, involuntary un­
employment, invalidity, accidents, and for other analogous purposes.
XXX. Cooperative associations for the construction of inexpensive and sani­
tary dwelling houses for workmen shall likewise be considered of social utility
whenever these properties are designed to be acquired in ownership by the
workmen within specified periods.

The Federal Labor Law
General Provisions
Under the general provisions of the law, the terms used through­
out the law are defined; the right of the individual to engage in the
occupation, industry, or business of his choice, if it be lawful, is for­
mally recognized; and regulations are promulgated requiring the
employment of Mexican citizens in 90 per cent of the positions in
both the skilled and unskilled classes of every enterprise, and the use
of the Spanish language in the issuance of orders and instructions to
employees. The sale of intoxicating liquors and the maintenance of
gambling houses or houses of prostitution are prohibited in any labor
center, or within a radius of 4 kilometers1 if the center is located
outside a city.
Contracts
Six chapters of the new law deal with contracts, both individual
and collective, and with their revision, suspension, cancellation, and
termination.
An individual contract is defined as one by virtue of which one
person binds himself to render personal services to another, under
1Kilometer=0.62 mile.




INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

5

his direction and charge, in return for an agreed remuneration.
Minors of either sex over 16 years of age are competent to enter into
a labor contract. A married woman does not need her husband’s
consent to enter into a contract.
Contracts for agricultural work, for domestic service, for tempo­
rary work not exceeding 60 days, and for services whose value does
not exceed 100 pesos,2 may be oral. All other contracts must be in
writing.
A collective contract is defined as any agreement entered into be­
tween one or several labor unions and one or several employers or
employers’ associations, for the purpose of establishing the condi­
tions under which the work is to be performed. The collective con­
tract shall fix the amount of the wages, the working hours, the nature
of the work, the rest days and vacation periods, and any other neces­
sary points.
Hours of Labor and of Rest
Eight hours shall be the maximum length of a day’s work, and
seven hours shall be the maximum for night work. The maximum
duration of a working-day which includes both day and night work
shall be seven and one-half hours.
Children over 12 and under 16 years of age shall not work over
six hours a day.
When due to unusual circumstances the working hours must be
increased, this work shall be considered as overtime and in no case
shall it exceed three hours a day nor occur more than three times
within any one week.
The law does not permit women, nor children over 12 and under
16 years of age, to work overtime nor to perform dangerous or
unhealthful work.
The worker is entitled to one day of rest for each six days o f work.
The law specifies that May 1, September 16, and December 25 are
compulsory rest days.
Workers who have rendered more than one year’s service shall
have an annual vacation of at least four working-days. After two
years’ service the vacation shall consist of at least six working-days.
Wages
According to the new law equal wages must be paid for equal work,
taking into consideration the quantity and quality of the work re­
gardless of the age, sex, or nationality of the worker.
Wages must not be paid in places of recreation, restaurants, cafes,
taverns, saloons, or stores except to workers in said establishments.
The law states that wages must be paid in legal currency, mer­
chandise, vouchers, counters, or other substitutes not being permitted.
Overtime work shall be paid for at the rate of 100 per cent more
than that fixed for normal working hours.
The worker’s wage can not be attached nor is it subject to set-off
or discount except in the following cases. The employer can deduct
that part of the wage that the worker agrees upon for union dues
and for the establishment of cooperative and savings funds, and
•Peso at par *=49.85 cents.




6

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

for debts contracted by the worker with the employer through wage
advancements, overpayments, errors, losses, or the purchase of articles
produced by the same enterprise.
The minimum wage in any industry in a given territory will be
fixed by a special commission on which the workers and employers
of that locality shall be equally represented. The labor law defines
the minimum wage as that which is sufficient to satisfy the normal
needs of life of the worker, his education and honest pleasures, con­
sidering him as the head of a family.
Work Rules
According to the labor law work rules shall be made in the various
enterprises in accordance with the provisions of the collective con­
tract or by a commission composed of employers5and workers’ repre­
sentatives. In addition to the provisions deemed advisable, the rules
shall contain the following: (1) Hours of beginning and 01 stopping
work, and time allotted for rest periods and for noonday meal; (2)
time and place of beginning and of ending the working-day; (3) days
and hours for the cleaning of machinery, apparatus, and workshops;
(4) warnings to avoid occupational hazards and instructions in the
rendering of first aid in case of accidents; (5) dangerous and un­
healthful work not to be performed by women and by children under
16 years of age; (6) work of a temporary nature; (7) time and
place of payment; (8) conditions under which the workers must
submit to medical examinations; (9) disciplinary measures; and (10)
any other regulations necessary for the better functioning of the
enterprise.
Employment of Women and Children
The law enumerates in considerable detail the dangerous and
unhealthful occupations that are forbidden for women and for chil­
dren under 16 years of age.
Women are not allowed to perform work requiring considerable
physical exertion during the three months before childbirth. They
shall have eight days of rest with pay before the approximate date
set for childbirth and one month thereafter. If after the month’s
rest they are unable to resume their work, they shall have leave with­
out pay until their recovery, retaining their positions and contractual
rights.
When more than 50 women are employed in an establishment,
special quarters must be provided where they may nurse their
children.
Obligations of the Employers
The labor law enumerates 24 specific obligations of employers to
the workers, several of the more important ones being as follows:
(1) To give preference, under similar circumstances, to Mexicans
over foreigners, to those who have worked satisfactorily over those
who have not, and to organized workers over those unorganized;
(2) to provide the workers with sanitary and comfortable living
quarters, for which they may charge rent not to exceed one-half of
1 per cent a month on the assessed value of the property, if the
enterprises are located within towns and employ more than 100




INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

7

workers; (3) to provide and maintain elementary schools for the
workers’ children when the work place is a rural center more than
3 kilometers from a town and if the number of children of school
age is over 20; (4) when the permanent population of a rural labor
center exceeds 200, the employer must reserve a tract of land, not less
than 5,000 square meters,8 for the establishment of public markets,
the construction of municipal buildings, and recreation centers, if the
labor center is located at least 5 kilometers from a town; (5) to pay
the worker for lost time when he is unable to work through the fault
of the employer; and (6) when an employer has in his service be­
tween 400 and 2,000 workers, he must pay the expenses necessary
adequately to provide for the technical, practical, or industrial
studies in a special center (either national or foreign) of an employee
or the child of a worker chosen because of ability by workers and
employer. Should there be more than 2,000 workers employed, the
employer shall establish three such scholarships. The beneficiaries
upon their return will be required to work for at least two years for
the employer who provided ior their education.
Obligations of the Workers
Of the obligations of workers to employers which are listed in
the labor law the following are among the outstanding. Workers are
required to render assistance whenever needed in cases of imminent
danger, either to the employer’s person or his interests or those of
his fellow workers; to unite in the organizations provided for by
this law; and to submit differences which they have with their
employers to said organizations. The law forbids the workers to
reveal technical, commercial, or trade secrets. Upon the termination
of the labor contract workers are to vacate the houses provided by the
employers within 15 days, or within one month in the case of agri­
cultural workers and miners.
Domestic Labor
The labor law defines a domestic servant as a worker of either
sex who habitually performs the work of cleaning, cooking, and
other services inside a house or other place of residence. Employers
are required by the law to provide board and lodging, to pay for
medical attention, to defray funeral expenses in case of death, and
to give the workers time off to attend night schools.
Maritime Workers
Forty-two articles of the labor law deal with work performed on
board Mexican ships and other craft, and treat of such matters as
contracts, wages, vacations, and weekly rest days, accident preven­
tion and reporting, strikes, justifiable causes for the dismissal of a
member of a crew, etc.
Railway Labor
According to the provisions of the labor law railway companies
shall employ Mexican workers. Foreigners may fill technical or
•Square meter=10.76 square feet.




8

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

administrative positions only when Mexican employees are not avail­
able. Other provisions deal with contracts, working hours, wages,
strikes, etc., of the railway workers.
Agricultural Labor
The labor law defines agricultural workers as those persons of
either sex who perform by the day or by the job the proper and
customary work in any agricultural, stock, or forestry enterprise.
Compensation for industrial accidents and occupational diseases
suffered by agricultural workers of a lessee or share tenant shall be
paid by the lessee or tenant and by the owner in the same propor­
tion as the distribution made of the crop, in the case of a tenant,
and according to the relation of the amount of the rental to the
probable profit of the lessee, in the case of a lease.
Among the obligations of employers to agricultural workers are
the following: To furnish free dwellings and the land necessary to
raise hogs and domestic fowls; to provide medical attention and
medicines and to give half pay in cases of accidents, tropical diseases,
tetanus, bites of venomous animals, and other illnesses common to
the region; to grant each permanent worker a tract of land to be
cultivated on his own account if the farm consists of 50 hectares4
or more; to furnish firewood and water for domestic uses; and to
allow grazing privileges for as many as 3 head of cattle and 10
head of sheep if the extent of the property permits.
Small Industries, Family Industries, and Home W ork

Small industries are defined in the law as those that employ up to
10 workers when power-driven machinery is used and up to 20 when
such machinery is not used. Family industries are defined as those
whose only workers are the wife and children of the owner.
Owners of small industries shall have the same obligations which
this law prescribes for employers in general, except as regards com­
pensation for industrial accidents and occupational diseases, which
shall be fixed by the board of conciliation and arbitration, taking
into consideration the injury suffered and the means of the small
manufacturer.
Family workshops, small industries, and home work are under the
supervision of labor inspectors and shall observe all regulations per­
taining to health and hygiene.
The powers and duties of inspectors are given in considerable
detail.
Apprenticeship Contracts
The law defines an apprenticeship contract as one in which one
of the parties thereto agrees to render personal services to the other,
receiving in exchange the compensation agreed upon and training
in an art or trade.
The law makes it compulsory for employers and workers to admit
in each enterprise a number of apprentices equal to at least 5 per
cent of the total number of workers in each trade or occupation.
41 hectare=2.471 acres.




INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

9

Apprentices may be discharged without liability to the employer
for serious lack of consideration and respect to him or his family
and for inability to learn the trade. The apprentice may resign if
the employer fails to comply with his obligations as prescribed in
this law.
Apprentices are entitled to one and one-half months5 pay as
compensation if they are unjustly discharged or resign for a jus­
tifiable cause.
Unions
The labor law recognizes the rights of workers to form labor
unions and of employers to form employers’ associations for the
study, improvement, or defense of their common interests.
Labor unions have the right to demand of employers the discharge
of any member who resigns or is expelled from a labor union when­
ever the collective contract contains an exclusion clause.
The minimum membership of labor unions is 20 and that of
employers’ associations is 3.
No toreigner can hold office on the board of directors in a union.
Married women engaged in a trade or occupation may join a union
and participate in the administration and direction thereof without
their husbands’ authorization.
Unions are prohibited from intervening in religious or political
matters, from carrying on business for profit, from using violence to
compel workers to organize, and from instigating acts injurious to
persons or property.
Coalitions, Strikes, and Lockouts
A coalition is defined in the labor law as an agreement made by a
group of workers or employers for the defense of their common
interests. A strike is denned as the temporary suspension of work
as a result of a workers’ coalition.
A strike may be called for the following purposes: To obtain a
balance among the various factors of production, harmonizing the
rights of labor with those of capital; to obtain the making or the
enforcement of a collective contract; to demand a revision of the
collective contract; and to aid a strike the object of which is any of
those above mentioned.
The law declares a strike unlawful when a majority of the strikers
commit acts of violence against persons or property, and in case of
war when the workers belong to governmental establishments or
services.
A lockout is defined as a temporary partial or total suspension of
work as a result of a coalition of employers. Lockouts shall be
considered lawful only when an excess of production makes it neces­
sary to suspend work in order to maintain prices at a profitable level
after approval of the board of conciliation and arbitration has been
obtained.
Workmen’s Compensation
Employers, even though they may have made contracts through
intermediaries, are liable for the industrial accidents and occupa­
tional diseases suffered by their workers.




10

I/ABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

The law defines an industrial accident as any injury requiring
medical or surgical treatment, or any mental or functional disturb­
ance, of a permanent or temporary nature, taking place immediately
or at a later time, or death, caused by the sudden action of an external
force which may have occurred during the work, arising out of or as
a consequence thereof, and any internal injury caused by a violent
exertion brought about under similar circumstances.
An occupational disease is any pathological condition which occurs
from a cause repeated for a long period of time as a necessary con­
sequence of the kind of work performed by the worker, or from
the environment in which he is compelled to work which causes in
the organism an injury or permanent or temporary functional
disturbance.
Compensation benefits.—In fatal cases the employer must pay one
month’s wages for funeral expenses and compensation to the family
of the deceased equal to 612 days’ wages. For the purposes of this
law the deceased employee’s 66family ” includes:
(1) The wife and legitimate or illegitimate children who are
under 16 years of age ana the ascendants unless it is proved that they
are not economically dependent upon the worker. Tne compensation
shall be distributed equally among said persons; and
(2) If there are no children, spouse, and ascendants within the
terms of the preceding paragraph, the compensation shall be divided
among the persons who are partially or totally dependent upon the
worker and in the proportion in which they are dependent upon
him, according to the judgment of the board of conciliation and
arbitration in view of the proofs rendered.
The law provides that a worker who is totally and permanently
disabled shall receive compensation equivalent to 918 days’ wages.
In cases of permanent partial disability resulting from accident
the compensation shall amount to the percentage fixed in the schedule
of disability valuations, calculated on the amount which would have
been paid if the disability had been permanent total. A percentage
shall be taken between the established maximum and minimum, tax­
ing into consideration the age of the worker, the importance of his
disability, and if it is total as regards his occupation or if it has
simply diminished his ability for the performance of his work.
When the occupational hazard has resulted in the worker’s temorary
disability, the compensation shall consist of the payment of
?
5 per cent of the wages which he fails to receive while unable to
work. This payment shall be made from the first day of the same.
When a worker is unable to return to the service after three
months’ disability, he himself or the employer may request that, in
view of the medical certificates, the reports submitted, and the proofs
shown, it be decided whether the injured worker ought to continue
to receive the same medical treatment and the same compensation or
to have his disability declared permanent, with the compensation to
which he is entitled. These examinations may be repeated every
three months. In either case, the time during which the worker
is to receive 75 per cent of his wages shall not exceed one year.
Insurance.—Employers may comply with the obligations imposed
upon them in this part by insuring at their own expense the worker
who is to receive the compensation on the condition that the amount




INTRODUCTION AND STJMMARY

of insurance be not less than the compensation.
policy must be taken out with a national company.

11
The insurance

Statute of Limitations
Rights of action under this law, in general, lapse in one year,
but there are several exceptions enumerated in the law which lapse
either in one month or two years.
Conciliation and Arbitration Boards
The law describes in considerable detail the composition and the
powers and duties of the various agencies intrusted with the ad­
ministration of this law; namely? the municipal boards of concilia­
tion, the central boards of conciliation and arbitration, the Federal
boards of conciliation, the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitra­
tion, the labor inspectors, and the special minimum wage commissions.
The municipal boards of conciliation are composed of one repre­
sentative of the Government, one of the workers, and one of the em­
ployers, and have jurisdiction, for the purposes of conciliation, of
all differences and disputes arising out of labor contracts.
The central boards of conciliation and arbitration function per­
manently in the capitals of the States and Federal Territories and
in the Federal District, and settle by either conciliation or arbitra­
tion disputes which are not under the jurisdiction of the Federal
boards.
Federal boards of conciliation have jurisdiction, for the purpose of
mediation, over labor disputes involving industries operating under
Federal concessions or carried on in Federal zones.
The Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration is established
in Mexico City, and has jurisdiction for purposes of both concilia­
tion and arbitration over labor disputes involving industries oper­
ating under Federal concessions or whose activities are carried on
in Federal zones and over disputes arising under a collective con­
tract which is in force in more than one State.
The procedure before the boards is described in the minutest
detail.
Penalties
Fines ranging from 5 to 5,000 pesos are imposed for violating the
provisions of this law.




Text of Legislation
Federal Labor Law
Part 1.— General Provisions
A rticle 1. This law is for general observance throughout the Republic, and
the Federal and local authorities shall administer it in the cases and according
to the terms provided herein.
A rt. 2. The relations between the State and its servants shall be governed
by the civil service laws.
A rt. 3. A worker is any person who renders manual or intellectual services,
or both, to another by virtue of a labor contract.
A rt. 4. An employer is an individual or corporate body employing the services
of another by virtue of a labor contract.

Directors, managers, administrators, shipmasters, etc., and in general all
people who in the name of their principal exercise the functions of management
or administration will be considered the representatives of the employers and
as such will bind the latter in their relations with the other workers.
A rt. 5. An intermediary is any person who contracts for the services of work­
ers to perform work for an employer. Established enterprises contracting for
work which they execute with their own equipment shall be considered not as
intermediaries but as employers.
A rt. 6. No one may prevent others from working or engaging in any profes­
sion, industry, or business they desire, providing it is lawful. Only when the
interests of third parties or those of society are jeopardized can work be
stopped, by a decision of the proper authorities, given in accordance with the
law.
A rt. 7. The rights of third parties are affected in the cases specified in other
laws and in the following instances: (1) When an attempt is made to replace a
worker who has been discharged, or such a worker has been definitely replaced,
without the proper board of conciliation and arbitration having decided the
case; and (2) when a worker who has been away from his job because of illness
or force majeure, or with permission, on returning to his work is denied the
right to the same position.
A rt. 8. The rights of society are affected in the cases specified in other laws

and in the following instances: When, after a strike is declared according to
the terms of this law, an attempt is made to replace the strikers, or they have
been replaced in the work which they were performing, without the reason for
the strike having been decided, except in the case provided for in article 275 of
this law, and (2) when a strike has been declared by the majority of the
workers of an enterprise and the minority resume their work or continue
working.
A rt. 9. In any enterprise, regardless of its nature, the employer may not
employ less than 90 per cent Mexican workers in each of the skilled and
unskilled classes, unless, in the case of skilled workers, the proper board of
conciliation and arbitration authorizes a temporary reduction of this percentage.

The preceding prohibition is applicable only when the total number of workers
exceeds 5; when it does not, the percentage of Mexican workmen shall be 80.
The requirement in this article does not apply to managers, directors, admin­
istrators, superintendents, and general heads of enterprises.
A rt. 10. In all enterprises, regardless of their nature, orders, instructions,
and in general all directions given to the workers therein must be in the
Spanish language.
The positions of manager and foreman shall be filled by individuals who
speak and understand the Spanish language. Company physicians must be
Mexicans.
12




PART 2.----LABOR CONTRACT

13

A rt. 11. The right to carry on trade in any labor center shall not be denied
to anyone, nor shall there be assessed therefor other fees or taxes than those
fixed in the laws. The exercise of this liberty shall be subject to the pro­
visions of the regulations issued by the authorities.
A rt. 12. Establishments dispensing alcoholic beverages, gambling houses, and
disorderly houses are not allowed in any labor center. This prohibition shall
be effective within a radius of 4 kilometers of labor centers situated outside o f
towns.
For the purposes of this law, all liquors containing more than 5 per cent
o f alcohol are considered to be alcoholic.
Art. 13. No one shall be denied free passage on highways or roads which
lead to labor centers nor kept from transporting merchandise to be sold in
such places. Travel over roads for which the law authorizes a charge shall
be allowed only on payment thereof.
A bt. 14. The Executive Authority, the governors of the States and Terri­
tories, and the head of the Department of the Federal District, must establish
at all the places they deem necessary within their respective jurisdictions, free
employment agencies, which shall operate in accordance with regulations to be
issued.
A bt. 15. Provisions o f this law which favor the workers shall not be waived
in any case.
A rt. 16. Cases not provided for in this law or its regulations shall be decided
in accordance with custom and usage or, in default thereof, by the principles
fixed by this law, by those of the civil law in so far as they are not contrary
thereto, and by equity.

Part 2.—The Labor Contract
Chapter 1.—The individual labor contract
Art. 17. An individual labor contract is one by virtue o f which one person
binds himself to render personal services to another, under his direction and
charge, in return for an agreed remuneration.
A rt. 18. The existence of a labor contract between one who renders a per­
sonal service and the one receiving it is presumed. I f the express stipulations
of this contract are lacking the rendering of the services shall be understood
to be governed by this law and by the rules supplementary thereto.
A rt. 19. Minors of either sex who are over 16 years of age are competent to
enter into a labor contract, to receive the agreed remuneration, and to per­
form the actions arising out o f the contract or the law.
The fact that young persons over 16 years of age are competent to enter into
labor contracts does not signify their emancipation.
Art. 20. Contracts for the employment of young persons over 12 and under
16 years of age must be made with the father or legal representative of the
said minors. Should the minor have no father or legal representative, the
contract shall be made by the minor, with the approval of the union to which
he belongs, or in default thereof, of the board of conciliation and arbitration
of the place or, if there is none, of the proper political authority.
A rt. 21. A married woman does not need her husband’s consent to enter
into a labor contract nor to exercise her rights derived therefrom.
A rt. 22. The following stipulations will be null and have no binding effect
on the contracting parties, even if expressed in the contract:
(1) Those which stipulate a longer working-day than that permitted by
this law ;
(2) Those that require dangerous and unhealthful work for women and
children under 16 years of age, or industrial night work for either, or work
in commercial establishments after 10 p. m .;
(3) Those that provide for work for children under 12 years of age;
(4) Those constituting a waiver on the part of the worker of any of the
rights or prerogatives authorized by this law;
(5) Those which, because of age, sex, or nationality, fix a smaller salary
than that paid to other workers in the same business for work of equal
efficiency, of the same nature, and for a working-day o f the same length;
(6) Those which provide for overtime work for women and for children
under 16 years of age;




14

LABOR LEGISLATION 01* MEXICO

(7) Those providing for a working-day that is inhuman because it is mani­
festly excessive or hazardous to the safety of the life of the worker in the
judgment of the proper authority;
(8) Those providing for a wage less than the minimum;
(9) Those providing for a time longer than one week for the payment of
wages to the workers;
(10) Those specifying places of amusement, inns, saloons, caf6s, taverns, or
stores for the payment of wages, when employees of such establishments are
not involved;
(11) Those involving a direct or an indirect obligation to purchase articles
of consumption in specified shops or places; and
(12) Those permitting the employer to retain the wage on the pretext of a
fine.
In all these cases it shall be understood that the law or supplementary rules
shall govern in place of the clauses that are null and void.
Abt. 23. All labor contracts must be stated precisely in writing, except those
referred to in article 26 of this law, and at least two copies shall be made,
each party retaining a copy thereof.
A bt. 24. The written labor contract shall contain:
(1) The name, nationality, age, sex, civil status, and domicile of the con­
tracting parties;
(2) The service or services that are to be rendered, which shall be stated
as precisely as possible;
(3) The duration of the contract or the statement that it is to be for an
indefinite time, for a definite piece of work, or for a fixed price. The labor
contract may be drawn for a definite time only in those cases in which it is
made as the result of the nature of the service that is to be rendered;
(4) The duration of the working-day, in accordance with that established
in this law;
(5) The salary, wage, or share in the profits that the worker is to receive;
if it is to be calculated by unit of time, by unit of work, or in any other
manner, and the manner and place of payment; and
(6) The place or places where the work is to be performed.
A b t . 25. In piecework contracts, i n addition to stipulating the nature of
the work, it will also be necessary to state the quantity and quality of the
material, the condition of the tools which the employer furnishes for the
performance of the work, and the time during which he will place them
at the disposal of the worker, as well as the corresponding remuneration.
The employer may not charge the worker for the natural wear and tear on the
tools as a result of the work.
A bt. 26. The labor contract may be oral when it refers:

(1) To agricultural work, except that of the peons referred to in section 6
of article 14 of the law of March 21, 1929, on the settlement and restitution of
lands and waters, contracts for which must be in writing;
(2) To domestic service;
(3) To occasional or temporary work which does not exceed 60 days; and
(4) To the rendering of services for a fixed job, provided that the value
thereof does not exceed 100 pesos, even though the time consumed therein
exceeds the period fixed in the preceding paragraph.
A bt. 27. The written contract shall be proved by the document itself
and, in case of misplacement thereof, by the usual means of proof; the
oral contract shall be proved by the testimony of two witnesses who may
be workers in the service of the employer.
A bt. 28. The employer who engages workers temporarily and by means o f an
oral contract must issue every 15 days, at the request of the worker, a written
instrument showing the number of days worked and the wage or remuneration
received by the worker.

Aut. 29. Every labor contract entered into by Mexican workers for services
outside the country must be in writing and must be authorized by the
municipal authority of the place where it is made and visaed by the consul
of the country where the services are to be rendered. The following stipula­
tions are also necessary for its validity, without which it may not be
authorized:
(1)
The expenses of transportation and food of the worker and his family,
if he has one, and any other expenses that are incurred when leaving the




PART 2.— LABOR CONTRACT

15

conntry and In complying with the provisions on migration and any others
of a similar nature, shall be paid exclusively by the employer or contractor;
(2) The worker shall receive the wage agreed on in full and no deduction
therein may be made for the expenses referred to in the preceding paragraph;
and
(3) The manager or contractor shall give a bond or place on deposit in
the Labor Bank [Banco del Trabajo], or, in default thereof, in the Bank of
Mexico [Banco de Mexico], a sum equal to all the expenses of repatriation
of the worker and his family and of transportation to the place where the
contract was drawn. The amount must satisfy the labor authority.
When the contractor proves that he has paid said expenses or that the worker
refuses to return to the country, and that he does not owe the worker any
sum for wages or compensation to which he may be entitled, the labor author­
ity shall order the return of the deposit or cancel the bond.
A rt. 30. When the object of the labor contract is to render services within
the Republic, but in a place distant not less than 100 kilometers from the usual
place of residence of the worker, the regulations established in the preceding
article shall be observed in so far as they are applicable.
A bt. 31. The absence of a written contract, when such is required by law, or
of any of the requirements prescribed therefor in article 24, does not deprive
the worker of any of the rights granted by this law or the contract, since the
absence of such formality will be imputed to the employer.
If either of the parties refuses to sign a labor contract already agreed upon,
the other party may demand before the board of conciliation and arbitration
that he comply with this formality, proving the existence of the agreement
by the ordinary means of proof.
Abt. 32. Labor contracts and other documents which must be executed as a
result of the application of this law will be exempt from any tax.
Art. 33. The labor contract is binding as to its express agreements and as
to the consequences thereof in accordance with good faith, usage, or the law.
If the services to be rendered are not stipulated in the contract, the worker
is required to perform only those that are compatible with his strength, ability,
state, or condition, and work of the same nature as that of the business or
industry operated by the employer.
Art. 34. Debts contracted by the worker with the employer, his associates,
family, or subordinates can be demanded only up to an amount equivalent to
one month’s wages.
Art. 35. A change of employer does not affect existing labor contracts. The
former employer will be jointly responsible with the new employer for the
obligations arising from the contract or imposed by law, and originating before
the change, for a period of six months, after which period the new employer
alone will be responsible.
Art. 36. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation, attachment, or inheritance,
whether or not the worker continues to render his services, the receiver,
liquidator, trustee, executor, or auditor shall be required, within one month
from the time of the occurrence of such event, to pay the wages earned and
recognized by the labor authority.
A rt. 37. The labor contract is binding only for the period of time previously
stipulated, but not to exceed one year to the prejudice of the worker.
Art. 38. For failure to fulfill a labor contract the defaulting worker incurs
only the corresponding civil liability; under no circumstances may coercion be
resorted to.
Art. 39. The labor contract may be made for an indefinite time, for a definite
time, or for a definite piece of work. If, when the contract terminates, the
work contracted for is unfinished and the materials are on hand, the contract
may be extended for the length of time said circumstances exist.
Art. 40. A labor contract for the operation of mines without profitable
mineral reserves, or for the restoration of mines that have been abandoned
or in which work has stopped, may be made for a definite period, for a
definite piece of work, or for the investment of a fixed capital.
A rt. 41. The labor contract of domestics, agricultural workers, railroad
workers, seamen, and workers in small enterprises, shall be regulated by the
special provisions in the chapters pertaining thereto and by the general pro­
visions of this law in so far as they are not contrary thereto.




16

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO
Chapter 2.— The collective labor contract

Art. 42. A collective labor contract is any agreement entered into between
one or several labor unions and one or several employers, or one or several
employers* associations, for the purpose of establishing the conditions under
which the work is to be performed.
A rt. 43. Any employer who engages workers belonging to a union shall
be required to enter into a collective contract with them if they request it.
I f there are several unions in the same enterprise, the collective contract
must be made with the one having the largest number of workers in the
business, with the understanding that said contract may not specify conditions
less favorable to the workers than those contained in contracts in force in the
enterprise.
When an enterprise is involved which, by the nature of its activities, employs
workers belonging to various trades, the collective contract must be drawn
jointly with the unions which represent each of the trades, provided they agree
among themselves. In case they do not agree, each trade-union shall draw
up a collective contract to determine the conditions relative to said trade
within the enterprise.
A rt. 44. Representatives of the union shall prove their legal capacity to
execute a collective contract by means of the by-laws or the minutes of the
meeting which authorized it. Unorganized employers shall prove their author­
ity in accordance with the civil law.
A rt. 45. The collective labor contract must be executed in writing and in
triplicate, under penalty of being void. A copy shall be kept by each one
of the parties and another deposited with the proper board of conciliation and
arbitration, or, in the absence thereof, with the municipal authority. The
contract becomes effective only from the date and hour a copy is deposited
with the board or municipal authority by either of the parties.
A rt. 46. The collective contract shall specify the enterprise or enterprises,
and the establishments or branches included, as well as the territorial region
to which the contract is applicable.
A rt. 47. The collective contract shall fix:
(1) The amount of the wages;
(2) The working hours;
(3) The extent and nature of the work;
(4) The rest days and vacations; and
(5) Any other stipulations which the parties deem necessary.
A rt. 48. The provisions of the collective contract extend to all persons who
work in the enterprise, even when they are not members of the union which
has made it. Persons holding positions of management and inspection, as well
as confidential employees doing personal work for the employer within the
enterprise, may be excepted from this provision.
A rt. 49. A clause in collective labor contracts by virtue of which an em­
ployer is required to engage only union men is lawful. This clause and any
others which establish privileges for organized workers may not be applied
to the prejudice of unorganized workers who are parties to the contract and
who were working in the enterprise when the contract was made.
A rt. 50. I f an employer who signed a collective contract withdraws from
the employers’ association which executed the contract, the latter shall never­
theless govern the relations of that employer with the union or unions of his
workers.
A rt. 51. In case o f the dissolution of a trade-union which has been a party
to a collective contract, the members shall continue to work under the condi­
tions fixed in said contract.
A rt. 52. Unions which are contracting parties to a collective contract may
bring actions arising out o f the contract, to demand its fulfillment and the pay­
ment of damages, as the case may be, against: (1) Other unions which are
parties to the contract; (2) members of the unions which are parties to the
contract; (3) its own members; and (4) any other person bound by the contract.
A rt. 53. Individuals bound by a collective contract may bring actions aris­
ing thereunder, in order to demand compliance therewith and damages, as the
case may be, against other individuals or unions bound by the contract, pro­
vided their failure to perform the contract caused personal damages.




PART 2.— LABOR CONTRACT

17

A rt. 54. When an action arising out o f a collective contract has been brought
by an individual or by a union, the other unions affected by the contract may
intervene in the litigation by reason o f the collective interest which its set­
tlement may have for its members.
A rt. 55. The collective contract may be executed (1) for an indefinite time;
(2) for a definite time; and (3) for a definite piece of work.
A rt. 56. Every collective contract, whether for an indefinite time, for a defi­

nite time, or for a definite piece of work, may be revised entirely or partially
every two years, at the request of either of the parties thereto, under the fol­
lowing conditions: If the trade-union requests the revision it shall be made, pro­
viding those requesting it represent at least 51 per cent of the entire membership
of the union which has made the contract. If the employers request the revision
it shall be made, providing those requesting it employ at least 51 per cent of
the total number of workers affected by the contract. The request for the revi­
sion, whichever of the parties asks for it, must be made at least 60 days before
the contract expires. If during such period the parties do not come to any
agreement or do not allow said period to be extended, the matter shall be
submitted to the proper board of conciliation and arbitration so that it may
hear and decide the case; it being understood that during the proceedings
before the board the contract, the revision of which is being considered, shall
remain in force.
A rt. 57. The collective labor contract shall terminate (1) upon mutual
consent of the parties; (2) for the reasons clearly stipulated in the contract;
(3) on the bankruptcy or judicial liquidation of the business if the receiver,
acting in accordance with legal procedure, decides that the business must be
suspended; if it is continued, the receiver may request the modification of
the contract in case the circumstances require it; (4) upon the termination
of the job for which labor has been contracted, when it concerns a definite
piece of work or enterprise; (5) when the raw material which was the
object of an extractive industry is exhausted; (6) upon the general closing
down of an enterprise; (7) upon physical or mental incapacity of the employer
which makes it impossible to perform the contract or to continue the enter­
prise; and (8) on account of an unforeseen event or force majeure.
When the collective contract includes several enterprises and terminates
in respect to some of them, it shall still be effective for the others.
As regards the judicial liquidation of a business, those who have been work­
ing therein must be compensated with one month’s wages in case the business
is suspended. In the cases in clauses 5, 6, and 7 the workers must be com­
pensated with one month’s wages. In case of the general closing down of the
enterprise, if the employer establishes another similar business within one
year, either personally or through an intermediary, he shall be required to
engage the same workers who had worked for him, or to pay them three
months’ wages, whichever the workers prefer.
When an unforeseen event or force majeure occurs and the business is
insured, as soon as the insurance is paid the workers must be compensated
with three months’ wages.
A rt. 58. When a collective contract has been entered into by two-thirds of
the employers and union workers in a specified branch of industry and in a
specified district, it will be binding on all employers and workers in the
same branch of the industry in the said district, if so provided by a decree
to that effect issued by the Federal Executive. When the contract affects
only the work that is being performed in a Federal entity, the Federal Execu­
tive and the local executive shall decide the matter.
A rt. 59. Petitions that a collective labor contract be declared binding in a
specified industry and district shall be sent to the Secretary of Industry, Com­
merce, and Labor, who, having assured himself that the petitioners constitute
the majority in the occupation, within the terms of the preceding article,
shall publish the petition in the Diario Ofieial of the Federation.
A rt. 60. Within 15 days after the publication of the petition, any manager,
worker, or group of managers or of workers belonging to the occupation in
the district concerned, may present reasons for their opposition to the compul­
sory application of the contract.
A rt. 61. The period of 15 days having expired without the employers or
workers having stated any opposition thereto, the collective contract may be
declared binding, as regards all that does not conflict with the laws o f public




18

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

interest, by means of a decree to that effect promulgated by the Federal
Executive.
A rt. 62. If within the specified period the employers or workers in the
said district oppose [the petition], the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and
Labor, at a hearing of the opponents and those representing the signers of
the collective contracts, shall render an opinion on the opposition and, if the
case warrants it, shall propose to the Federal Executive that he issue a decree
declaring the contract binding. In this case and in that provided for in the
preceding article, the provision in the last part of article 58 shall be taken
into consideration.
A rt. 63. The contract declared binding shall apply, notwithstanding any
provision to the contrary contained in the collective labor contract that the
enterprise has made, except on those points on which the provisions of the latter
are more favorable to the worker.
Abt. 64. The Federal Executive shall fix the period during which the contract
is to be in force, which shall not exceed two years. The periods specified shall
be extended for equal periods of time if, within three months of the expira­
tion of the period, the majority of the workers or employers mentioned in
article 58 does not express a desire to terminate the contract.
Art. 65. The binding contract may be revised upon the petition of the em­
ployers and workers who represent the majority referred to in article 58,
during the period of three months specified in the preceding article, and at any
other time, provided economic conditions exist which justify it.
A rt. 66. Failure to make a new agreement by the majority referred to in the
preceding article terminates the binding collective contract, and the interested
workers and employers are left free to agree in each enterprise on new working
conditions applicable to each one of them.
A rt. 67. Failure to comply with the stipulations of a collective contract of a

binding nature gives rise to an action for damages, which may be brought by
trade associations as well as by workers or employers against the unions which
are parties to the contract, against members of such unions, and in general,
against any other body bound by such contract.
Chapter 3.—Working hours and legal rest days
A rt. 68. Day work is that which is performed between 6 a .m . and 8 p. m.
Night work is that performed between 8 p. m. and 6 a. m.
A rt. 69. The maximum duration of the daily working hours for each worker
of either sex, may not exceed eight hours. This provision is not applicable to
persons performing domestic services. It is applicable to domestics who work
in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or other similar commercial establishments.
On agreement with the employer, the workers in an enterprise may divide the
working hours in the 48-hour week so as to permit the worker to rest on Satur­
day afternoon, or any other equivalent arrangement. On agreement, they may
also distribute the eight working hours over a longer period of time.
A rt. 70. The maximum duration of night work shall be seven hours.

Art. 71. A mixed working-day is that which includes periods of day work
and night work, provided the latter comprises less than three and one-half
hours; if the period of night work consists of three and one-half hours or
more, the whole period shall be considered night work. The maximum dura­
tion of the mixed working-day will be seven and one-half hours.
Art. 72. Children over 12 and under 16 years of age shall not work over
six hours a day.
A rt. 73. When the worker can not leave the work place during rest hours
or at meal time, the time consumed at such intervals shall be considered a
part of the normal working hours.
A rt. 74. When working hours have to be increased because of special cir­

cumstances, such work shall be considered overtime and may in no case exceed
three hours a day nor occur oftener than three times a week.
A rt. 75. In case of danger or imminent hazard which endangers the life
of the worker, the lives of his fellow workers, or of his employers, or the
existence of the enterprise itself, the worker shall be obligated to work for
a period of time longer than that specified as the maximum working-day,
without receiving double pay.
A rt. 76. Under no circumstances may women, and children over 12 and
under 16 years of age, be allowed to work overtime.




PART 2.— LABOR CONTRACT

19

Abt. 77. Neither women, nor children over 12 and under 16 years of age,
may perform industrial work at night nor unhealthful or dangerous work.
A rt. 78. For each six days of work the worker is entitled to at least one

day of rest
The governors of the States and of the Territories, and the head of the
Department of the Federal District, shall make regulations on this article,
fixing the weekly rest day on Sunday. In those industries which are admin­
istered by the Federal authorities, the regulation shall be made by the Executive
of the Union.
A bt. 79. Women shall have 8 days of rest, with pay, before the approximate
date set for childbirth and one month thereafter.

During the period of lactation they shall have two extra rest periods a day,
of one-half hour each, to nurse their children.
Abt. 80. Obligatory rest days shall be (1) May 1, (2) September 16, and (3)
December 25.
Abt. 81. In businesses that require continuous work it must be so arranged
that the workers will have the same number of days that this law considers
obligatory weekly rest days.
For this purpose the parties shall fix by common agreement the days on
which the workers must rest after six consecutive days of work or in substi­
tution for those of the obligatory rest.
Abt. 82. Workers who have more than one year’s service shall have an annual
vacation, which shall be fixed by the parties in the labor contract, but under
no circumstances may it be less than four working-days. After two years*
service, the annual vacation shall consist of at least six working-days. If the
worker is absent from work without a justifiable cause, the employer may
deduct such time from the vacation period.
Abt. 83. The Executive of the Union and the executives of the federated en­
tities, as the case may be, shall issue the regulations that are necessary to
make the requirements of this chapter adaptable to the special necessities of
any industries or works, after having heard the labor unions and employers’
associations affected.
Chapter 4.— Wages
Abt. 84. By " wage ” is understood the remuneration that the employer must
pay the worker by virtue of the labor contract.
Abt. 85. The amount of the wage may be freely agreed upon, but under no
circumstances may it be less than that fixed as the minimum in accordance
with the provisions of this law.
Art. 86. In order to fix the amount of the wages for each class of work, the
quantity and quality of the work shall be taken into consideration, it being
understood that for equal work, performed in similar employment, with a
similar working-day, and under similar conditions of efficiency, equal wages
must be paid, understanding by this both the daily wage and the tips, fees,
lodging, and any other amount that is given the worker in exchange for his
ordinary labor. Discriminations may not be made because of age, sex, or
nationality.
A bt. 87. The parties may fix the time for the payment of wages, but it can
never exceed one week for manual workers and 15 days for domestic servants
and other workers.
A bt. 88. Payment will be made in the place where the workers render their

services, unless expressly agreed to the contrary. Wages shall not be paid in
places of recreation, restaurants, caf€s, taverns, saloons, or stores, except to
workers in said establishments.
A bt. 89. The wage must be paid in legal currency only, merchandise, vouchers,
counters, or any other substitute for money not being permitted. Violation of
this provision shall incur the penalty established therefor in the Penal Code
in force in the Federal District and Territories.
A bt. 90. The wage shall be paid directly to the worker or to a person whom
he designates as his agent by means of a power of attorney, authorized by him
and signed by two witnesses.
A bt. 91. Wages must not be retained in whole or in part on the pretext of
a fine.

When the worker contracts debts with the employer through wage advance­
ments, overpayments to the worker, errors, losses, damages, purchase of articles
produced by such enterprise, or income of any nature, the employer can deduct




20

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

the part of the wage that the worker agrees upon for this purpose. It may
never exceed 30 per cent of that part of the wage exceeding the minimum.
Wages must not be retained, discounted, nor reduced in any way, nor for
any amount, except in the cases referred to above, for union dues, and for the
establishment of cooperative associations and savings funds, which the workers
expressly agree to.
Advances made by the employer from the workers’ wages shall not bear
interest under any circumstances.
Abt. 92. Overtime work shall be paid at the rate of 100 per cent more than
that fixed for normal working hours.
Abt. 93. Workers shall receive their full pay for the obligatory rest days and

vacation periods referred to in articles 80 and 82. When the wage is paid by
a unit of work the average of the previous month’s wages shall be taken.
A bt. 94. Women shall receive full pay in cases under article 79.
A bt. 95. The wage is the basis of the estate of the worker, and as such can
not be attached, judicially or administratively, nor is it subject to set-off
or discount except in the cases referred to in article 91.
Employers shall not be required to comply with judicial or administrative
orders relative to attachment or sequestration of their workers’ wages, deduc­
tions for such purpose being strictly prohibited.
A bt. 96. The assignment of wages to a third person, whether by means of
receipts for their payment or in any other form, except as provided for in
articles 90 and 91, is null.
A bt. 97. Workers do not have to attend creditors’ meetings or bankruptcy or
succession proceedings in order to be paid their credits for wages or salaries
earned during the preceding year and for compensation. Their claims shall
be presented before the proper labor authorities and, in compliance with the
order made by them, the property necessary to pay these credits in preference
to any others shall be transferred immediately.
Abt. 98. Any act of compensation, liquidation, settlement, or agreement be­
tween the worker and the employer must be executed before the proper labor
authorities in order to be valid.
Chapter 5.—Minimum wage
A bt. 99. A minimum wage is one which, taking into consideration the con­
ditions in each district, will be sufficient to satisfy the normal needs of life of
the worker, his education and reasonable pleasures, considering him as the
head o f a family. The fact that he should have sufficient resources for his
subsistence during the weekly rest days on which no pay is received, must also
be considered.

In fixing the minimum wage for agricultural workers there shall be taken into
consideration the facilities provided by the employer for his workers as regards
lodging, farming privileges, cutting of firewood, and similar facilities which
reduce the cost of living.
Abt. 100. The minimum wage may not be the object of set-off or discount.
Chapteb 6.— Work rules
A bt. 101. Work rules are the collective regulations obligatory on workers and
employers in the execution of the work of a business.
The rules shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the collective
contracts or, in lieu thereof, by a commission composed of employers’ and work­
ers’ representatives. For the purposes of this chapter, the technical or admin­
istrative rules formulated directly by the enterprises themselves for the execu­
tion of the work shall not be considered as work rules.
A bt. 102. The rules shall contain the following stipulations in addition to
the provisions which are deemed advisable:
(1) The hours for the workers to enter and leave, and the hours allotted for
meals and for rest periods during the day;
(2) Place and time of beginning and of ending the working-day;
(3) Days and hours fixed for cleaning the machinery, the apparatus, the
premises, and the workshops ;
(4) Warnings to avoid occupational hazards, and instructions in the render­
ing of first aid in case of accidents;




.

PART 2 ----LABOR CONTRACT

21

(5) Dangerous or unhealthful work which must not be performed by women
or by children under 16 years of age;
(6) Work of a temporary or transitory nature;
(7) Time and place of payment;
(8) Time and manner in which workers must submit to medical examina­
tions, prior to employment or periodically, as well as the prophylactic measures
ordered by the authorities;
(9) Disciplinary provisions and the manner of their application. When
enterprises lay off workers as a disciplinary measure, this must not exceed 8
days, and in no case shall unfavorable notations be entered in the record of
the workman until after proof is given of the faults committed; the union dele­
gate, or, in lieu thereof, a representative of the workers, must intervene in both
cases; and
(10) Other regulations or provisions which, according to the nature of each
enterprise, are necessary to obtain the greatest regularity and security in the
development of the work.
A rt. 103. The work rules shall not contain any provision which is contrary
to the laws of public order, the labor law, police, safety, or health regulations,
or the labor contract.
Art. 104. The work rules shall be printed or legibly written and must be
posted in the most conspicuous places in the establishment.
A rt. 105. In order that the work rules may be obligatory in the establish­
ment or business concerned, the employer must deposit within eight days follow­
ing their issuance, a copy of the same in the office of the secretary of the proper
board of conciliation and arbitration. If the regulations presented do not
satisfy the requirements specified in article 102 of this law or violate any other
precept of the same, the labor union or unions of the enterprise concerned or the
employer may request its review by the board, which, upon receiving testimony
of the interested parties at a hearing which shall be held within eight days,
shall decide within the same period whether or not the rules are to be ap­
proved. The review may be requested at any time.
As regards work at sea or on navigable waters, the work rules shall be
registered in the office of the port captain.
Chapter 7.—Work of women and children
A rt. 106. Children under 16 years of age are prohibited from:

(1) Working in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for immediate
consumption and in houses of prostitution; and
(2) Dangerous or unhealthful work.
A rt. 107. Women are prohibited from:
(1) Working in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for immediate
consumption; and
(2) Performing dangerous or unhealthful work, except where, in the opinion
of the competent authority, all measures have been taken and necessary appa­
ratus installed for their protection.
A rt. 108. The following is dangerous work:
(1) Oiling, cleaning, inspecting, and repairing machinery or mechanisms
while in motion;
(2) Any work with automatic, circular, or band saws, shears, sharp knives,
drop hammers, and similar mechanical apparatus the manipulation of which
requires special precaution and knowledge;
(3) Work underground and undersea;
(4) The manufacture of explosives, percussion caps, inflammable substances,
alkali metals, and the like; and
(5) Other dangerous work specified in the laws and their regulations, in
contracts, and in work rules.
A rt. 109. The following are unhealthful occupations:
(1) Those which involve the danger of poisoning, as the handling of toxic
substances or of the materials from which they are developed;
(2) Any industrial operation in which poisonous gases or vapors or noxious
emanations are liberated;
(3) Any operation during which dangerous or injurious dust is given off;
(4) Any operation which for any reason produces continuous dampness; and
(5) Any other unhealthful work specified in the laws, their regulations, tfce
contracts, and the work rules.




22

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

Art. 110. Women shall not perform work requiring considerable physical
exertion during the three months before childbirth. If after the month’s rest
[after childbirth] referred to in article 79, they are not able to resume their
work, they shall have leave, which unless agreed to the contrary shall be without
pay, for the time necessary for their recovery, retaining their p osition s and
rights under the contract.
In establishments where more than 50 women are employed, the employers
must provide special quarters where the women may nurse their children.
Chapter 8.— Obligations of employers
A rt. 111. The obligations of employers are as follows:

(1) To give preference, under similar circumstances, to Mexicans over for­
eigners, to those who have worked satisfactorily in the past over those who have
not, and to organized workers over those who are not; by “ organized ” is meant
any worker who is a member of any legally constituted union;
(2) To pay the amounts due each worker in accordance with the terms of the
contract and subject to this law; and
(3) To provide the workers with sanitary and comfortable houses, for which
they may charge rent not to exceed one-half of 1 per cent a month on the
assessed value of the property. If the enterprises are located within towns
and employ more than 100 workers, the employers must comply with the
obligation imposed on them by this section.
The Federal Executive and executives of the federated entities, as the case
may be, shall fix the conditions and time within which employers must comply
with the obligations referred to in this section, taking into consideration the
needs of the workers, the kind and duration of work, the place where it is
performed, and the economic means of the employer;
(4) To install, in accordance with hygienic principles, factories, workshops,
offices, and other places in which the work must be performed. In the instal­
lation and handling of mining machinery, drainage systems, unhealthful plan­
tations and other labor centers, adequate methods shall be adopted to avoid
injury to the worker, endeavoring, as far as possible, to prevent the develop­
ment of epidemic or infectious diseases and organizing the work in such a way
as to give the greatest possible guaranty for the health and life of the worker
compatible with the nature of the work;
(5) To adopt adequate measures and also those specified in the laws in
order to prevent accidents in the use of machinery, tools, or work materials*
and to have available at all times the medicines and appliances necessary, in
the judgment of the health authorities of the place or, in lieu thereof, in the
judgment of the company’s doctor, for the treatment of any case of sickness
occurring among the workers during the performance of their work, in order
that timely and efficacious first aid may be rendered. Notice must be given im­
mediately to the competent authority of each accident that occurs in the
enterprise;
(6) To compensate the workers for accidents suffered while at work or as a
consequence thereof and for occupational diseases contracted in the course of
their employment;
(7) To provide the workers with the tools, instruments, and materials nec­
essary for the execution of the work agreed upon, provided they did not prom­
ise to use their own tools; these should be of good quality and should be
replaced as soon as they become unfit for efficient work;
(8) To provide and maintain elementary schools for the workers’ children,
when the work places are rural centers situated more than three kilometers
from towns and provided the number of children of school age is over 20.
The instruction given in these schools shall be subject to the official programs
of the jurisdiction in which they are located. In the States, the teachers shall
be appointed by the school authorities in accordance with the respective laws,
and in the Federal District and Territories, by the Executive of the Union.
The salaries shall not be less than those earned by the teachers in schools of a
similar class maintained by the Government;
(9) When the permanent population in a rural labor center exceeds 200 in­
habitants, the employer must reserve a tract of land, not less than 5,000 square
meters, for the establishment of public markets, the construction of municipal
buildings, and recreation centers, provided said labor center is located at a dis­
tance of not less than 5 kilometers from the nearest town;




PART 2 .— LABOR CONTRACT

23

(10) To allow workers sufficient time to exercise their right to vote at the
public elections;
(11) To permit workers to be absent from their work to discharge an oc­
casional or permanent mission of their union or of the State, provided due
notice is given to the employer, and the number of workers on the mission is
not such as to impair the proper running of the establishment. In such case,
as well as in the case specified in the preceding section, the lost time will be
deducted from the worker’s wages, unless he makes it up by working an
equivalent length of time.
When the mission is of a permanent character or when public duties at
elections are to be performed, the worker or workers may return to their posi­
tions, the rights derived from their contracts being retained if they return to
their work within four years. The substitutes shall have the character of
temporary workers in these cases, being considered as permanent after four
years;
(12) To comply with the provisions of the work rules;
(13) To treat the workers with due consideration, refraining from ill-treating
them by word or deed;
(14) To issue without charge to the worker, should the latter request it,
and when he leaves the enterprise, a written reference in regard to his services;
(15) To prepare a safe place for the keeping of the instruments and work
tools belonging to the worker, provided such tools have to remain in the place
where the work is being done; it will not be lawful for the employer to retain
such tools or instruments under the pretext of compensation, guaranty, or for
any other reason.
A record of the work tools must be kept if the worker requests it.
(16) To pay to the worker wages for lost time when he is unable to work
through the fault of the employer;
(17) To permit the labor authorities to inspect their establishments in order
to ascertain whether the provisions of this law have been complied with and
to give them the information necessary for this purpose when asked to do so.
The employers may demand that the inspectors or commissioners show their
respective credentials and give proof of the orders given them;
(18) To provide unions in the rural labor centers, if they request it, with
unoccupied quarters which they may use for their offices, for which a reason­
able rent may be charged. If there are no such quarters, the union may use
any of the buildings assigned for the lodging of workers for such purpose;
(19) To make the deductions which the unions request for union dues.
Unions must prove that the amounts which they ask to be deducted are those
fixed in their by-laws;
(20) To make the deductions for the contributions for the establishment and
development of cooperative societies and savings funds formed by the organized
workers. In both cases proof must be given that the amounts which they
ask to be deducted are those fixed in their by-laws.
In this case and in that of the preceding section the enterprise is empowered
to demand compensation of the union, cooperative society, or savings fund for
the extra expenses involved in making the deductions.
(21) Those who employ more than 400 and less than 2,000 workers must
pay the necessary expenses of providing adequately for the technical, industrial,
or practical studies in a special center, either national or foreign, of one of
their workers or one of their workers’ children, chosen because of his ability,
qualifications, and diligence by the workers and the employer.
When more than 2,000 workers are employed, he shall support three benefici­
aries under the conditions indicated above. The employer may cancel the
allowance only if the beneficiary fails in his examinations in the course of one
year or if he has conducted himself improperly, but in these cases he shall be
replaced by another. Beneficiaries who have completed their studies must work
for at least two years for the employer who has paid their expenses;
(22) To make readjustments in accordance with the stipulations of the
collective contract. If there are no such stipulations, the rights of seniority
shall be observed and under equal conditions organized workers shall have
preference over those not organized;
(23) In places where there are tropical and endemic diseases, to furnish
their workers with prophylactic medicines prescribed by the health authority
of the place; and




24

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(24)
In stonecutting yards, quarries, sand pits, lime kilns, gravel pits, and
cement works, the police and safety regulations cn work in mines issued by
the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor shall be observed. Such regu­
lations shall be posted in conspicuous places in the mines, galleries, or levels
for the instruction of the workers.
A rt. 112. Employers are prohibited from :
(1) Requiring their workers to buy articles of consumption at specified
stores or places;
(2) Demanding or accepting money from workers as a gratuity for giving
the latter employment, or for any other reason which refers to the conditions
of the work;
(3) Requiring the workers, by coercion or by any other means, to withdraw
from the union or organization to which they belong or to require them to vote
for a certain candidate;
(4) Making collections or soliciting subscriptions in the labor centers;
(5) Committing any act which restricts the rights granted to the workers
by law ;
(6) Conducting political or religious propaganda in the establishment;
(7) Using the “ blacklisting” system as to workers who leave or are dis­
charged from the service, in order that they may not be able to* secure
employment again;
(8) Carrying arms inside factories, workshops, or establishments located in
towns, unless they have secured permission from the proper authority; and
(9) Appearing in the factory, workshop, or establishment in a state of intoxi­
cation or under the influence of a narcotic or enervating drug.
Chapter 9.— Obligations of workers
A rt. 113. Workers are required:

(1) To perform the work contracted for under the direction of the employer
or of his agent, to whose authority they are subject as regards everything con­
cerning the work;
(2) To work diligently, carefully, and with proper attention in the manner,
time, and place agreed upon;
(3) To return to the employer in good condition unused materials, tools,
and implements which had been given them for the work, not being responsible,
however, for the natural wear and tear of such objects nor damage caused
by accident or force majeure or the result of poor quality or defective
construction;
(4) To have good habits while at work;
(5) To render assistance whenever needed, in cases of imminent danger or
peril either to the employer’s person, his interests, or those of their fellow
%vorkers;
(6) To observe the provisions of the work rules registered with the board
of conciliation and arbitration;
(7) To unite in the organizations provided for by this law;
(8) To submit differences which they have with the employers regarding the
work to said organizations;
(9) To submit, in accordance with the contracts and regulations, to a
medical examination upon entering the service or thereafter if the employer
requires it, to prove that they are not suffering from any disability or contagious
or incurable occupational disease;
(10) To inform the employer or his representative of any observations they
may have made in order to avoid damage to the interests and lives of their
fellow workers and employers;
(11) To guard scrupulously technical, commercial, and trade secrets, knowl­
edge of which has been gained by reason of the work performed; as well as
confidential administrative matters, disclosure of which might cause damage
to the enterprise;
(12) To observe the sanitary and preventive measures agreed upon by
competent authorities and those which the employers specify for the personal
safety and protection of the workers;
(13) To vacate, within 15 days from the date on which the labor contracts
terminate, the houses provided for them by the employers. This period may be
extended to one month in the case of agricultural workers and miners; and




3PART 2.----LABOR CONTRACT

25

(14)
To comply with any other obligations imposed by this law and the
contract
A rt. 114. Workers are prohibited from:
(1) Committing any act which might endanger their own safety, that of
their fellow workers, or that of third persons, as well as that of the establish­
ments and workshops or places in which the work is performed;
(2) Remaining away from work without a good excuse or without permission
from the employer;
(3) Removing from the factory, workshop, or establishment, work tools or
raw or manufactured materials without the permission of the employer;
(4) Appearing at work in a state of intoxication or under the influence of
any narcotic or enervating drug;
(5) Carrying arms of any kind during working hours. Exceptions to this
provision are sharp or pointed tools which form a part of the working equipment
and arms carried by watchmen;
(6) Stopping their work, even if they remain at their posts, provided this is
not the result of a strike which was declared and notice thereof given in
accordance with the law, in which case they must leave the work place;
(7) Making collections in the work place during working hours, without the
employer’s permission;
(8) Using the tools and equipment supplied by the employer for any work
other than that for which they were given; and
(9) Spreading any kind of propaganda during working hours in the
establishment.
Chapter 10.—Modification of labor contracts
A rt. 115. The bases of a labor contract may be revised upon the petition of
either of the parties, provided it is done in accordance with the procedure
established in this law.
Chapter 11.—Suspension of labor contracts
A rt. 116. The following are causes for a temporary suspension of labor
contracts for which the employer is not liable:

(1) Lack of raw materials in the business, provided it can not be imputed
to the employer;
(2) Lack of funds and the impossibility of obtaining them for the normal
prosecution of the work, if fully proved by the employer;
(3) Overproduction with relation to the economic conditions and the state
of the market, in a specified enterprise;
(4) When the operation of a certain enterprise is well known to be
unprofitable;
(5) Force majeure or a fortuitous event not imputable to the employer, when
a suspension of the work is a necessary, immediate, and direct consequence
thereof;
(6) Failure on the part of the State to furnish the sums of money which
it may have obligated itself to pay to companies with whom it has contracted
for work or services, provided sums are indispensable;
(7) Circumstances under which the worker contracts any contagious disease;
(8) The death or disability of the employer when, as a necessary, immediate,
or direct consequence thereof, the work is temporarily suspended; and
(9) Failure on the part of the worker to comply with the labor contract
because of temporary imprisonment followed by a verdict of acquittal, or
arrest imposed by judicial or administrative authorities, unless, in the case of
arrest, the proper board of conciliation and arbitration decides that the con­
tract should be rescinded.
A rt. 117. The suspension may affect the whole or a part of an enterprise.
A rt. 118. In the cases specified in sections 5, 7, and 8 of article 116, the
employers, their representatives or assigns, shall give notice of the suspension
of work to the respective board of conciliation and arbitration, so that this
body upon proof of the fact alleged, may or may not approve such suspension.
In the cases in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 the employers interested, prior to
the suspension of the work, shall solicit authorization from the proper board
of conciliation and arbitration for the purpose of carrying it into effect, sub­
mitting all the evidence tending to prove the grounds of their petition.




26

LABOR jJEGI&LATlOU 0® MEXICO

Art. 119. The suspension of work does not signify the termination of labor
contracts.
Art. 120. On the resumption, partial or total, of operations, the employer
shall give due notice of the date thereof; he shall, by means deemed adequate
by the proper board of conciliation and arbitration, recall the workers who
were in the concern’s employ when the suspension was decreed, and shall be
required to give them back their former positions, provided they present
themselves within the time set by the employer, which shall be not less than
30 days from the date of resumption of operations.
Chapter 12.—Rescission of labor contracts

Art. 121. The employer may rescind a labor contract:
(1) For having been deceived by the worker or, as the case may be, by the
union that proposed or recommended him at the time of executing the contract,
through false testimonials or references in which ability, skill, or faculties
which he does not possess are attributed to the worker. This cause of recission shall not be effective after the workman has been employed 30 days;
(2) When the worker has been guilty, while in the service, of lack of
honesty or integrity, of acts of violence, threats, injuries, or ill-treatment of
the employer, his relatives, or the heads of the office, workshop, or concern;
(3) When the worker commits against any of his coworkers any of the
acts specified in the preceding paragraph, if as a consequence thereof the
discipline of the place in which the work is performed is disturbed;
(4) If the worker commits, outside of the employment, against the employer,
his relatives, or the heads of workshops, any of the acts specified in para­
graph 2, if they are of such a grave nature as to make compliance with the
labor contract impossible;
(5) If the worker intentionally causes material damages during the per­
formance of his work, or by reason of the latter, to the buildings, works,
machinery, instruments, raw materials, and other objects connected with the
work;
(6) If the worker commits the damages referred to in the preceding para­
graph, when they are of a grave nature, unintentionally but with such negli­
gence that this is the sole cause of the damage;
(7) If the worker commits immoral acts in the workshop, establishment, or
work place;
(8) If the worker reveals trade secrets, or gives information of a confidential
nature, to the injury of the concern;
(9) If the worker, through inexcusable imprudence or carelessness, endan­
gers the safety of the workshop, office, or business or of the persons therein;
(10) For absence of the worker from his work more than three times during
one month, without the permission of the employer or without justifiable
cause;
(11) If the worker disobeys the employer or his representatives without a
just cause, provided this is in connection with the work contracted for;
(12) If the worker refuses openly to adopt preventive measures or to fol­
low the methods prescribed to prevent accidents or diseases;
(13) If the worker presents himself for work in a state of intoxication or
under the influence of a narcotic or enervating drug;
(14) For failure of the worker to comply with the labor contract because
of imprisonment, as a result of final sentence;
(15) By declaration of the board of conciliation and arbitration under the
conditions specified in paragraph 9 of article 116; and
(16) For causes analogous to those established in the preceding paragraphs,
of an equal seriousness and with similar consequences in connection with the
work.
A rt. 122. The employer who discharges a worker for one or more of the
causes to which the preceding article refers, shall incur no liability.
If, subsequently, the reason for dismissal is not proven, the worker shall
have the right to receive the wages due him from the date on which he files
his claim, up to the expiration of the time limit which this law grants to the
board of conciliation and arbitration for the rendering of its final decision, with­
out prejudice to the other actions open to him for having been dismissed with­
out justifiable cause.




PART 2.----LABOR CONTRACT

27

In case the decision may not have been rendered within the legal period of
time and there may be need for additional time, in accordance with the
provision of article 542, the worker shall have a right to wages for the
additional days referred to in the said article.
A rt. 123. The worker may rescind the contract:
(1) For not having received his proper wages on the date and at the agreedupon or customary place;
(2) For having been deceived by the employer or, as the case may be, by
the employers* association, offering him the work, at the time of entering
into the contract, with respect to the conditions of the same. This cause
for rescission shall cease to be effective after 30 days* employment;
(3) If the employer, or his relatives or subordinates acting with the consent
or tolerance of the former, is during the work guilty of lack of honesty or
integrity, of acts of violence, of threats, injuries, ill-treatment, or analogous
acts against the worker, his wife, parents, children, brothers, or sisters;
(4) When the employer, his relatives or subordinates authorized or tolerated
by him, and outside of the employment, commits the offenses set forth in the
preceding paragraph, if they are of such a serious nature as to render com­
pliance with the labor contract impossible;
(5) By damage to the worker’s work implements or tools, deliberately
caused by the employer;
(6) If there exists grave danger to the safety or health of the worker or
his family, whether on account of the lack of hygienic conditions at the work
place, or because the preventive and safety measures prescribed by the law
are not complied with;
(7) If the employer, because of his imprudence or inexcusable carelessness,
endangers the safety of the workshop, office, or business, or of the persons
therein;
(8) If the employer reduces the wages of the worker without his consent,
unless as a result of a decision by the competent board of conciliation and
arbitration; and
(9) For causes similar to those specified in the preceding paragraphs, of an
equally serious nature and with similar consequences as regards the work.
A bt. 124. For any of the causes specified in the preceding article the worker
may leave his employment and shall have the right to compensation by the
employer in the amount of three months’ wages, without prejudice to any other
advantages derived from his contract or the law.
A b t . 125. The worker who leaves his employment for reasons other than
those specified in article 123 shall be subject to the corresponding civil liability.
Chapter 13.—Termination of labor contracts

Abt. 126. A labor contract shall terminate:
(1) By mutual consent of the parties;
(2) For the reasons expressly stipulated therein;
(3) By the death of the worker;
(4) By completion of the work for which the labor was contracted;
(5) By exhaustion of the substance which is the object of an extractive
industry;
(6) By rescission of the contract pursuant to the provisions of chapter 12
of this part;
(7) Because of bankruptcy or judicial liquidation of the concern, if the
receiver in bankruptcy, in accordance with the legal provisions relating
thereto, decides that the work should be discontinued. If the work
continues, the receiver may, if circumstances require it, request the modifica­
tion of the contract. The rehabilitated concern must contract with the same
workers or unions;
(8) By total shutdown of the enterprise or by definite reduction of work;
(9) On account of physical or mental incapacity of either of the parties
or the manifest inability of the worker, making it impossible to comply with the
contract or to continue with the concern;
(10) By the worker who serves in a managerial, fiscal, or supervisory position
having lost the confidence of the employer; but if he has been promoted by
right of seniority from a position, where this seniority right exists in the enter­
prise, he shall be returned to his former position unless there is a justifiable
cause for ms dismissal, The same procedure shall be observed when a worker




28

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

who serves in a confidential position requests to be returned to his former
employment;
(11) By decision of the proper board of conciliation and arbitration, ren­
dered in accordance with the law ; and
(12) Because of a fortuitious event or force majeure. If the employer
was insured when the disaster occurred, upon collecting the insurance policy
he shall be required to restore the business in proportion to the insurance
collected; and if this is not done, the workers shall be paid the compensation
specified therefor.
In the case of judicial liquidation, those rendering services to the enterprise
shall be compensated with a month’s salary in case the business is suspended.
In the cases referred to in paragraphs 5, 7, and 9, the workers shall be com­
pensated with one month’s salary. In case the enterprise is entirely closed,
if the employer establishes within one year a similar business, either directly
or through third parties, he shall be required to employ the same workers who
served him before or to pay them three months’ wages, at the option of the
workers.
In the case of a fortuitous event or force majeure, if the business is in­
sured, when the policy is collected the workers shall be immediately compen­
sated with three months’ salary.
Art. 127. The death of the employer shall not cause the termination of the
contract, unless as an unavoidable consequence the business is terminated.
A rt. 128. When due to the installation of new machinery or new working
processes, the employer has to reduce personnel, the labor contract may be
terminated as to the surplus workers, paying them as compensation the amount
stipulated in the respective contracts, and in the absence of agreement, an
amount equivalent to three months’ salary.
Chapter 14.—Domestic labor

Abt. 129. A domestic servant is a worker of either sex who habitually per­
forms the work of cleaning, cooking, and other services inside a house or
other place of residence or habitation. The special provisions of this chapter
shall not apply to domestics working in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or other
similar commercial establishments, but they shall come under the provisions
of the labor contract in general.
A rt. 130. The obligations of the employer with respect to domestic workers
are:

(1) To treat them with due consideration, abstaining from ill-treatment either
by word or action;
(2) To provide them with board and lodging unless otherwise expressly
agreed;
(3) In the event of illness which is not of a chronic nature, to pay them
up to a month’s wages, even though they do not work, and to provide them
with medical attention until they are cured or put in charge of some public
or private beneficent institution;
(4) To afford them the opportunity to attend night schools; and
(5) In the case of their death, to defray their funeral expenses.
A rt. 131. Except when otherwise agreed, the remuneration of a domestic
servant includes, besides the cash payment, board and lodging. For the pur­
poses of this law, board and lodging provided a domestic shall be estimated
as being equivalent to 50 per cent of the wages received in cash.
Chapter 15.—Work on the sea and in navigable waters
A rt. 132. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the work performed
on board Mexican ships and other craft.
A rt. 133. Masters, deck, and engine-room officers, as well as supercargoes
and pursers, shall be considered as members of the crew in their relations with
ship owners or charterers. Radio operators, boatswains, dredgers, sailors,
stokers, workmen, doctors, nurses, cabin and dining-room stewards, and, in gen­
eral, all those on board who perform any work for the ship owner shall be
considered members of the crew. Those who use a vessel for their transpor­
tation are considered passengers.
A rt. 134. Masters, who for the purposes of this law are those having direct
(jojpmand of a vessel, shall have with respect to the other members of the crew




PART 2.— LABOR CONTRACT

29

the character of representatives of the owners or employers. The rights and
obligations of the masters do not affect their character of authority conferred
upon them by the various legal provisions which are in force or may be
enacted.
A bt. 135. An agreement entered into on board by the master of a Mexican
merchant vessel with stowaways, which has for its object the earning of their
passage by means of personal services, shall not be considered a labor contract.
A bt. 136. Contracts relating to the employment of minors under 16 years of
age, residing or traveling abroad, and who have neither parents nor guardians,
shall be attested by the Mexican consul, without prejudice to their ratification
at any time by their legal representatives.
A bt. 137. The labor contract with the members of the ship’s crew shall be
made in quadruplicate; one copy thereof shall remain in the possession of each
party, another shall be forwarded to the office of the port captain or to the
consulate, as the case may require, and the remaining one to the proper board
of conciliation and arbitration.
A bt. 138. The labor contract with the members of the ship’s crew may be
executed for a definite time, for an indefinite time, or for the voyage.
A contract for the voyage shall cover the time from the embarkation of the
member of the crew until the cargo is discharged and the vessel has returned
to its home port. Nevertheless, a different port may be expressly stipulated
in the contract as the point of termination of contract By “ home port” is
to be understood that stated in the contract; in default of this designation, the
home port shall be considered as the port where the main office of the owner
or employer in the coastal region where the ship navigates is located, and in
case of doubt, the port of [the ship’s] registry.
In contracts for a definite time or for an indefinite time, the port where
the member of the crew is to be returned shall be specified; in case this is not
done, this shall be considered as the port of embarkation.
In contracts for an indefinite time, a temporary tie-up of the ship shall not
terminate the contract, but shall only suspend the effects thereof until the ship
is returned to service. The period during which a ship is undergoing repairs
shall not be considered as a temporary tie-up.
A bt. 139. Crews contracted for a voyage are entitled to a proportionate
increase in wages when the voyage is prolonged or delayed, unless this is due
to force majeure.
No reduction of wages shall be made in case the voyage is shortened for any
reason.
Abt. 140. The owner of one or several ships shall, as an employer, sign a
contract with the crew or with the union to which the majority of the crew
belongs, stating therein the name of the ship or ships to which it refers.
A rt. 141. All labor contracts entered into by members of crews of Mexican
nationality for service on board foreign ships must be executed in accordance
with the provisions of article 29.
A bt. 142. The making of contracts whereby different wages for like service
are stipulated shall not be considered as violating paragraph 5 of article
22, if such services are rendered on vessels of different classes.
Abt. 143. The change of nationality of a Mexican vessel is cause for the
termination of the labor contracts of the crew and those of individuals
directly connected with the administration of the vessel; but there shall
remain in force the obligation to repatriate the members of the crew to the
home port of the vessel, provided nothing to the contrary is stipulated in the
contract with respect to the national port to which they shall be returned,
and to pay the emoluments earned up to the time of disembarking, plus three
months’ wages.
A bt. 144. When 10 days or less are lacking for the expiration of a contract
and a new voyage exceeding this term is contemplated the members of the
crew may request the rescission of their contracts, giving notice to the em­
ployer three days in advance of departure of the vessel, in order that they
may be released from the obligation to render services on the new voyage.
Art. 145. The labor contracts of the members of the crew are not rescindable
when the vessel is at sea; neither can they be rescinded when in port, if rescis­
sion is attempted within 24 hours prior to sailing, unless in the latter case the
master or the vessel’s destination is changed.
A bt. 146. The labor contracts of the members of the crew can not be rescinded
while the vessel is in foreign waters, in uninhabited places, or in port, whenever
131843°—32------ 3



30

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

in the latter ease the ship is exposed to any risk as a result of bad weather or
other circumstances.
Abt. 147. When a vessel is a total loss by reason of seizure or disaster, the
labor contracts shall be considered as terminated, with the exception of the
employer’s obligation to repatriate the members of the crew and to pay them
the amount of the wages earned.
When the vessel is insured and the owner collects the insurance, the crew
shall, in addition, receive full payment of the wages earned up to their return
to the port of embarkation or to the port specified in the contract.
A rt. 148. If, in view of the accident, the crew agrees to perform the work
of salvaging the vessel or its cargo, they shall be entitled to payment of wages
for the days worked up to the point where the salvage exceeds the wages
earned. If the salvage exceeds the total amount of the wages and there is
a surplus, the crew shall have the right, in addition, to a bonus proportionate
to their efforts and the hazards incurred in the salvaging, which shall be
fixed by mutual agreement of the parties, or in lieu thereof, by the proper board
of conciliation and arbitration after hearing the opinion of the port captain’s
office.
A rt. 149. The master shall grant weekly rest days to the personnel, in port
or at sea, when such rest does not affect the service on the vessel. However,
the personnel on watch or for whom because of the nature of the work rendered
it is not possible to arrange the weekly rest shall be compensated for it as
overtime work.
Art. 150. Vacation periods shall be computed from the moment of debarka­
tion, but if the vessel is due to sail before the expiration of such vacation, a
member of the crew may waive the time remaining to complete same, on
condition that the unexpired period be granted when the vessel returns to port.
If the member of the crew does not waive the remainder of his vacation, he
shall be considered as enjoying leave without pay from the date his vacation
terminates to the moment that he reembarks.
Art. 151. At the election of the members of the crew, wages may be paid
in foreign money, in amounts equivalent to those stipulated, when the vessel
is in a foreign port, or in foreign waters, or on the point of arrival therein.
A rt. 152. The ship with its engines, tackle and rigging, stores, and cargo
shall be charged with a liability for the wages earned by the crew on a salary
or voyage contract, the liquidation and payment of which shall be made during
the interval occurring between voyages.
Once a new voyage is begun, the aforesaid credits derived from a prior voyage
shall lose preference.
A rt. 153. The powers of the delegates on board ship shall be limited to
settling difficulties that may arise, in agreement with the master, reporting in
every case to the labor inspector or to the respective authority.
A rt. 154. Instructions and drills to avoid hazards at sea shall be carried
out in accordance with the marine regulations, without it being necessary to
pay overtime in connection with such work. Masters and mates, in such cases,
shall act as the representatives of the authorities and not as representatives
of the employer.
A rt. 155. Supplying intoxicating liquors to the members of the crew by the
canteen on board ship without the permission of the master is prohibited; like­
wise the crew is prohibited from taking on the ship intoxicating liquors or
enervating drugs.
A rt. 156. Violations of the work rules of a vessel by the members of the
crew, the employers, or their representatives shall be reported to the labor
inspector who, after due investigation, shall report them to the proper author­
ity, together with the opinion of the respective port captain.
A rt. 157. Shipowners shall not be required to provide the members of the
crew with the dwellings referred to in paragraph 3 of article 111, but shall
comply with the legal provisions in force in this respect by supplying com­
fortable and hygienic quarters on board ship.
A rt. 158. The Federal Executive shall in due course determine the best man­
ner of establishing a “ Seamen’s Home,” fixing the amounts to be contributed
by shipowners.
Art. 159. The owners are required to provide meals in all cases to the crews
of vessels engaged in service on the high seas or in coastwise service or dredg­
ing, and to the crews of vessels engaged in domestic river traffic, but only when
such service exceeds six hours.




PART 2.— LABOR CONTRACT

31

Abt. 160. The quantity, quality, and manner of furnishing meals to the crew
shall be governed by the provisions contained in the contracts, and in default
thereof, shall conform with the provisions issued by the Department of Com­
munications and Public Works in its marine division.
A bt. 161. In all contracts entered into with the members of crews, it shall
be understood as stipulated, even though not expressed, that the expense of
remitting funds to the crew’s families, when the vessel is in foreign waters,
shaU be paid by the employer.
Abt. 162. When an industrial accident occurs on board, the master shall
inform the office of the port captain at the next port of arrival within 24
hours after the vessel has been given pratique.
If the ship arrives at a foreign port, the master shall make this report to
the Mexican consul, or if there is none, to the port captain at the first national
port touched, without prejudice to the other obligations in this respect that this
law prescribes.
Abt. 163. The masters of Mexican merchant vessels shall grant the members
of their crews the time necessary to vote in popular elections, provided that in
their opinion the safety of the vessel permits it, and its departure on the date
and hour fixed is not delayed.
Abt. 164. With the same conditions as those contained in the preceding
article and the requirements established by this law, the members of the crew
must be permitted to be absent from work for the purpose of performing com­
missions of their unions or of the State.
Abt. 165. Inspection of merchant vessels in reference to safety conditions is
to be done exclusively by the marine inspectors, the labor inspectors being
limited to inspection in their branch, when ships are in port and complying
with the marine regulations.
Abt. 166. Masters of vessels, as the representatives of the authorities, are
authorized to carry weapons on board ships under their command, and to
permit their crews to carry them when it is deemed necessary.
Abt. 167. The following are justifiable causes for the discharge of a member
of a crew on a Mexican merchant vessel: Failure to report on board ship at the
time set for sailing; or reporting and then disembarking, without making the
trip; being in an intoxicated condition at the time of the sailing of the vessel or
while at sea; and other causes specified in the legal provisions on this subject,
in so far as they are not contrary to this law.
Abt. 168. Workmen who render services on any vessel or floating craft but
are not members of the crew are nevertheless subject to the provisions of this
chapter in so far as they are applicable.
A bt. 169. When for any reason vessels put to sea without the workers referred
to in the preceding article having been able to return to shore, they shall be
considered members of the crew contracted for a round-trip voyage, and shall
have all the rights and obligations set forth in this chapter.
A bt. 170. The provisions of this law regarding strikes are applicable to the
members of crews, with the exception that under no circumstances can a strike
be declared when the vessel is navigating or anchored outside the port. If one
should be declared when anchored in port, the crew shall leave the vessel, with
the exception of the personnel in charge of the custody of the ship, which shall
continue to render its services, in accordance with the provisions of article 275.
A bt. 171. With reference to vessels employed in domestic or river traffic, the
provisions of this chapter, with the following modifications, shall govern in
so far as they are applicable:
(1) The labor contract shall not be considered as terminated if, having com­
plied with the other requirements, the interested members of the crew do not
advise the master or employer, 24 hours in advance, of the time of termination;
(2) If the discharging of cargo at the place where the contract terminates
requires more than 24 hours, the contract shall be considered concluded on the
expiration of that time, counting from the moment when the ship casts anchor;
(3) Feeding of the crew, to be paid for by the owners or employers, is
obligatory, even when not stipulated in the contract, if food is being supplied
to the passengers on board; and in all cases where the trips of vessels are for
six or more hours or where they are for less than this time but end in unin­
habited places where it is impossible for the crew to secure food; and
(4) In domestic and river traffic, presence on board, when obligatory, shall
be considered as work, unless the rest period is of four hours or more, when
it is physically impossible for the crew to leave the ship, or when going ashore




32

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

would be useless because in uninhabited places. The weekly rest day must be
granted on shore.
Art. 172. When a vessel puts into a foreign port for repairs and its condi­
tion does not permit the crew to remain on board, the owner shall furnish food
and lodging. This obligation will also exist when in national ports other than
the port where the contract was executed. In either case, such food and lodging
shall be furnished the crew free of charge.
A bt. 173. In labor contracts the percentage that the crew shall receive for
salvaging another craft shall be stipulated.
Chapter 16.—Railway labor

Art. 174. For the purposes of this chapter, there shall be considered as con­
fidential positions those that are determined to be of this nature in the collective
contracts made by the companies with their workers.
A rt. 175. Railway companies shall employ only Mexican workers. In mana­
gerial positions they may employ the necessary foreign personnel, and in tech­
nical or administrative positions they may employ foreign personnel exclusively
when no Mexican personnel is available.
A rt. 176. Transit over highways or roads, and the transportation of mer­
chandise to which article 13 of this law refers, shall be subject to the railroad
law and its regulations with respect to the observance of safety measures.
A rt. 177. The promotion of workmen who do not hold confidential positions

shall be made under the terms fixed in the labor contracts, taking into con­
sideration physical capacity, efficiency, and seniority.
A rt. 178. If agreeable to the parties to the collective contract, railroad com­
panies may contract with train crews on the basis of single or round trips.
A rt. 179. Workmen shall not be discharged nor shall they lose their rights
when, due to force majeure, they are isolated from their respective chiefs and
continue at their posts.
If under the same conditions the workers abandon their posts, they shall
return to them on disappearance of the causes impelling their abandonment.
In the cases to which this article refers, investigation shall be made, under
the supervision of the representatives of the unions and of the company, and
if liability on the part of the workmen affected is shown therein, or if it is
proven that they voluntarily neglected or injured the interests of the com­
pany, they shall lose their positions and shall be subject to the legal pro­
visions applicable thereto.
The workmen who filled the abandoned positions shall be considered tempo­
rary workmen, and when the permanent workmen are reinstated, the former
may continue working only in their previous positions or in the vacancies left
by those who do not return to their positions.
A rt. 180. The working-day of the workers shall be governed by the needs
of the service and may begin at any time of the day or night. By prior
agreement between the parties it may be agreed:
(1) As overtime work, that which exceeds the 48-hour week in daywork,
that which exceeds 45 hours in mixed day and night work, and that which
exceeds 42 hours in nightwork.
(2) That said working-day may be divided twice, with intervals of not more
than two hours nor less than one hour, or only once, with an interval of not
more than four hours nor less than one hour.
A rt. 181. Contracts stipulating for different salaries for similar services shall
not be considered as violating paragraph 5 of article 22 of this law, if the
work is done on lines or branches of different importance.
Art. 182. Railroad workers are required to report, in accordance with the
respective regulations, as soon as possible when they are not able to report
for the performance of their work; unjustifiable failure to make this report
shall be cause for applying the disciplinary measures, pertaining thereto, with­
out prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 10 of article 121 of this law.
A rt. 183. In case of strikes, the provisions of article 275 of this law shall
be observed; therefore the execution of the necessary work; to maintain
hospital service and the security and maintenance of trains, shops, and
tracks shall be continued. The workers must also continue work on relief
trains and trains in the service of the State. In every case they will take
trains to the terminal station of their run.




PART 2.— LABOB CONTRACT

33

A rt. 184. When railroad enterprises contract services for the State, they
shall be considered as intermediaries in case of war or serious disturbance of
public order.
A rt. 185. When a worker has served approximately the time prescribed in

the collective contract to merit retirement, and commits an offense not con­
sidered approbrious nor a crime, his seniority and good services shall be taken
into account in applying the proper disciplinary measures, without affecting his
retirement rights.
A rt. 186. Workers laid off because of reduction of personnel or of positions,
even though they receive the compensation to which they are entitled therefor,
will continue to have the rights acquired prior to their separation, in order that
they may return to their positions if these are again created, and also that they
may be reemployed in the branch of work which they left, if they continue
members of the unions that executed the collective contracts.
A rt. 187. The members of the crew are prohibited, while on duty, from using
or transporting intoxicating liquors and enervating drugs, for parties other than
the company.
Art. 188. The members of the crew are prohibited from receiving freight or
passengers at points other than those specified by the companies for these
purposes. Violation of this article shall be cause for rescission of the labor
contract
A rt. 189. The fact that a member of the crew refuses to make a trip con­
tracted for, or interrupts the trip without justifiable cause, shall be sufficient
cause for rescission of the labor contract.
Chapter 17.—Agricultural labor
Art. 190. The provisions of this chapter shall govern labor contracts with
agricultural workers, persons of either sex performing, by the day or by the
job, the proper and customary work in any agricultural, stock or forestry
enterprise being considered as such.
A rt. 191. Contracts of share tenancy and lease shall be governed by local

laws.

Art. 192. Any lessee or share tenant contracting for the services of agricul­
tural workers shall be considered, with relation to them, as the employer and
their relations shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter.

Compensation for industrial accidents and occupational diseases suffered by
the agricultural workers of the lessee or the share tenant shall be paid by the
lessee or tenant and by the agricultural owner in the same proportion as the
distribution made of the crop, in the case of the tenant, and according to the
relation of the amount of the rental to the probable profit of the lessee, in the
case of lease.
A rt. 193. Agricultural workers may be permanent or temporary. For the
purposes of this law, permanent workers are those who live rent free in houses
built within the boundaries of the farm and, through prior contract determining
their condition, customarily depend for their subsistence on the wage or
salary they receive for work in connection with the cultivation of the land. One
who, under the conditions mentioned, remains on the farm continuously for
more than three months is understood to be a permanent worker.
A temporary worker is one who does not fulfill the requirements of the
permanent worker.
A rt. 194. The contract of any worker serving on a farm who is not an
agricultural worker shall be governed by the general provisions of this law.
A rt. 195. If the agricultural labor contract is in writing, the character of
the agricultural worker and the services he must render shall be determined
therein. If a written contract or an express stipulation is lacking, the agri­
cultural labor contract shall be understood as covering the work which the
agricultural worker has usually performed.
Art. 196. On termination of the contract the employer is required to permit
temporary agricultural workers to remain on the farm only for the time
necessary to moye therefrom, which shall not be longer than one month.
A rt. 197. The special obligations of an employer with respect to agricultural
workers are as follows:
(1)
To furnish free dwellings which meet the necessary sanitary conditions
for the protection of the life and health of the workers, and the land necessary
to raise the animals referred to in article 205 of this law ;




34

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(2) To provide all agricultural workers with medical attention, medicines,
and medical supplies in places where it is possible to do so, and where it is
not, the medicines indispensable in the treatment of accidents, tropical diseases,
tetanus, bites of venomous animals, and other illnesses common to the region,
shall be given gratuitously. In these cases also one-half the wage must be
paid. In other illnesses the employer is required only to furnish medicines
and a physician when this is possible;
(3) To furnish each permament worker gratuitously, when the farm con­
sists of more than 50 hectares under cultivation, a tract to be cultivated for
his own account, the area of which shall be determined, if there is no express
agreement, by the size of the farm, class of tillable soil, and number of
workers, in accordance with the customs of the place. On this tract the
permanent worker shall have the right to employ the animals, equipment, and
other agricultural implements of the employer, without prejudice to the
cultivation of the farm ;
(4) To permit both permanent and temporary workers to cut, free of
charge, from the nearest woods of the farm, the firewood necessary for their
domestic use, respecting the provisions of the laws relative thereto as well as
the orders of the employer, and to permit water for their domestic use and
for their stock to be taken from flumes, tanks, fountains, and springs;
(5) To permit permanent workers to take wood from the woodland on the
farm to repair and enlarge their dwellings under the conditions set forth in
the preceding paragraph;
(6) To give preference to permanent workers over temporary workers in
contracting for ordinary or extra work. The permanent worker whose con­
tract has terminated and who has not given cause for dismissal, by decision
of the board of conciliation and arbitration, shall have the same preference;
(7) To permit the agricultural worker to take for his own use game and
fish, in conformity with the provisions of the laws relative thereto and the
orders of the employer;
(8) To allow the agricultural worker grazing rights up to 3 head of cattle
and up to 10 head of sheep, if the condition and extent of the property
permit; and
(9) To permit the permanent and temporary workers the free use of roads
and paths on the farm.
A rt. 198. Wages must be paid on the farm where the worker is employed and
at intervals not exceeding one week.
A rt. 199. Agricultural workers are forbidden to construct buildings and to
plant crops on the farm without the employer’s consent.
A rt. 200. The provisions of article 80 of this law are applicable to the
permanent agricultural worker. As regards vacations the provisions contained
in the labor contract shall govern.
A rt. 201. The employer shall allow a market one day a week on his farm,

permitting all traders to enter the premises without the exaction of fees,
provided they have a license from the proper authority.
The employer shall designate an adequate and easily accessible place for the
marketing to be carried on.
Art. 202. Employers can not prohibit the workers from celebrating their
regional festivals in the accustomed places.
Art. 203. No landowner, administrator, or caretaker of a rural farm shall
impede free access thereto, except in places designated for dwellings or offices,
of political propagandists, representatives of labor unions or agricultural and
other workers’ societies, provided they do not assume a hostile attitude, nor
present themselves in a state of intoxication, nor interrupt the regular work
of the farm.
A rt. 204. The number of stock which the permanent workers had when they

were hired shall not be reduced.
A rt. 205. Workers shall not be prohibited from raising hogs and domestic
fowls within the inclosure allotted to them as dwelling places.
Chapter 18.—Small industries, family industries, and home work
A rt. 206. Small industries are those that employ up to 10 workers when
power-driven machinery is used, and up to 20 when such machinery is not
used.




PART 3.----APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACT

35

Abt. 207. Home work is that performed by any person to whom goods or
raw materials are delivered to be manufactured either at home or in any
other place not under the control or immediate direction of the person furnish­
ing the material.
Art. 208. Family workshops are those whose only workers are the wife,
descendants, or wards of the owner.
A rt. 209. Small manufacturers shall have the same obligations that this
law prescribes for employers in general; but as regards liability for occupa­
tional hazards, the board of conciliation and arbitration having jurisdiction
is authorized to fix the amount of the compensation, which shall never be less
than 20 per cent of that fixed in Part 6, and the period it shall cover, taking
into account the injury suffered and the economic condition of the small
manufacturer.
Art. 210. The provisions of article 82 are not applicable to small industries.
Art. 211. The provisions of this law shall not be applicable to family work­
shops, except those included under the following article.
Art. 212. Family workshops, small industries, and home work are under
the supervision of labor inspectors and shall observe all the regulations relating
to health and hygiene.
A rt. 213. Inspectors shall be under the strictest obligation to watch especi­
ally that the remuneration received by home workers is in no case less than
that which would be received for equal service performed in the workshop.
Workers shall be entitled to demand from employers, as far as three months
back, the difference between the amount paid and that corresponding to the
work done.
A rt. 214. When an inspector finds that any home worker does not receive
due remuneration, he shall draw up a report thereof, which shall be signed
by the worker, and by the employer if he so desires, and forward it to the
proper board of conciliation and arbitration, which shall proceed to demand
payment of the difference in accordance with the provisions of the preceding
article.
Art. 215. Any small manufacturer or employer who supplies home work
shall report monthly to the proper labor inspector the name, sex, age, and wage
of each one of the workers he employs, as well as the place where the work
is performed.
A rt. 216. The powers and duties of the inspectors shall b e:
(1) To keep a register in triplicate of the small industries and places of
home work existing in each municipality. One copy shall remain in his pos­
session, another shall be sent to the proper board of conciliation and arbitra­
tion, and the third to the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and
Labor;
(2) To prepare a list of workers who work in small industries, family work
shops, and at home, corresponding to the monthly data submitted by employers
or gathered by themselves; and
(3) To visit the workshops periodically and to demand compliance with the
provisions of this law, reporting all cases of violation.
A rt. 217. If the work contracted by the owners of small industries and home
work is distributed among workers outside the workshop, the employers shall
be required to keep a record of the names, domicile, work delivered and the
price per piece of the work. The workers shall be entitled to ask that the
inspectors check said records.

Part 3.—Apprenticeship Contract
A rt. 218. An apprenticeship contract is one by virtue of which one of
the parties agrees to render personal services to the other, receiving in ex­
change training in an art or trade and the compensation agreed upon.
A rt. 219. The apprenticeship contract in which any minor participates shall
be executed according to the terms prescribed by article 20 for the individual
labor contract.
A rt. 220. The apprenticeship contract must contain the scale and time of
training in the art, trade, or occupation which is the object of the contract,
and the compensation to be paid the apprentice for his services in each one
of the periods of apprenticeship.
A rt. 221. It is compulsory for employers and workers to admit in each enter­
prise apprentices in a number not less than 5 per cent of the total number of




36

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

workers of each occupation or trade in which they render services. If there
should be fewer than 20 workers in the trade concerned, there may be, not­
withstanding, one apprentice. Said apprentices shall enjoy all the rights and
obligations, without exception, which this chapter provides for the rest of their
class. The sons of organized workers of the enterprise shall have preference
for employment as apprentices.
Art. 222. The working-day of the apprentice shall be subject to the provisions
relative to labor in general and, in the case of minors, to the provisions relative
thereto.
Art. 223. The obligations of the apprentice are as follows:
(1) To do the work agreed upon personally, with due care and application,
in accordance with the instructions of the teacher or employer;
(2) To obey the orders of the teacher or employer in the performance of the
work which he may be learning;
(3) To maintain good habits and have respect and consideration for the
employer, teacher, and their families;
(4) To take care of the materials and tools of the employer or teacher,
avoiding any damage to which they may be exposed;
(5) To maintain absolute secrecy as regards the private life of his employer
or teacher or their families; and
(6) To procure the greatest economy for the employer or teacher in the
performance of the work.
Art. 224. The obligations of the teacher or employer toward the apprentice
are as follows:
(1) To give him instruction in the trade or art which he wishes to learn;
(2) To pay him a pecuniary remuneration or give him food, clothing, or both;
(3) To show him due consideration, abstaining from abusing him by word
or deed;
(4) At the end of the apprenticeship, in unskilled labor ( oficios no calificados), to give him a written certificate as to his skill and ability; and
(5) At the end of the apprenticeship, to prefer him for any vacancies which
may occur.
A rt. 225. The employer or teacher may discharge the apprentice, without
liability:
(1) For serious lack of consideration and respect to him or his family; and
(2) For manifest incapacity of the apprentice for the art or trade concerned.
A rt. 226. The apprentice may quit the work justifiably for violation of the

obligations imposed on the employer or teacher by article 224.
In this event, and in that of unjustifiable discharge, the apprentice has the
right to receive one and one-half months’ compensation.
A rt. 227. Apprentices of skilled trades will be examined each year, or at
any time they may request it, by a mixed jury of expert workers and em­
ployers, presided over by a representative designated by the labor inspector.
In the case of maritime apprenticeship, the captain of the port will preside.

The jury shall decide by a majority vote, and in the event the jury so de­
cides, will certify in writing that the apprentice examined has the necessary
skill to work in the branch of his apprenticeship.
A rt. 228. In maritime work, apprentices shall have the right to receive
board and lodging on board, if this is given to the remainder of the crew.
Art. 229. The period of instruction of sailor apprentices will be that fixed
by the marine regulations.
A rt. 230. Apprentices on ships will not be subject to a specified person on
board but rather, in general, to their superior officers, and in the distribu­
tion of the work will perform the duties which by their nature belong to them.
A rt. 231. Apprentices under 16 years of age will not be taken in maritime

and railroad work.

Part 4.—Unions
A rt. 232. A union is an association of workers or employers of the same
occupation, trade, or specialty, or of similar or connected occupations, trades,
or specialties, organized for the study, improvement, and defense of their
common interests.
A rt. 233. The unions are:

(1)
Trade-unions, formed by individuals of the same occupation, trade, or
specialty;




P A M 4.— tm iO K S

37

(2) Company unions, formed by individuals of various occupations, trades,
or specialties who work for a single concern;
(3) Industrial unions, formed by individuals of various occupations, trades,
or specialties who work for two or more industrial concerns; and
(4) Unions of various trades, formed by workers of different trades. These
unions may be formed only when in the particular municipality the number of
workers of the same trade is less than 20.
A bt. 234. Employers and workers are entitled to form unions without any
previous authorization. No one may be forced to join or not to join a union.
A bt. 235. Any stipulation which sets a specified fine in the event of separa­
tion from a union, or which violates in any way the provision set forth in the
preceding article, will be considered void.
A rt. 236. Workers’ unions have the right to request and obtain from the
employer the discharge of members who resign or are expelled from the union,
whenever there is an exclusion clause in the contract.
A rt. 237. Those persons forbidden by law to organize or those subject to
special regulations can not form unions.
For the purposes of the collective contract, the representatives of the em­
ployer mentioned in the second part of article 4 will not be admitted to unions
of other workers of an enterprise.
A rt. 238. Unions shall be composed of at least 20 workers when it is a
labor union, and of three employers of the same industrial branch when it
is an employers’ association.
A rt. 239. Those who are 12 years of age or over may join a union; but
only those over 16 may participate in the administration and direction of the
union.
Art. 240. No foreigner who is a member of a union can hold office on the
board of directors of the organization.
Art. 241. Married women engaged in a trade or occupation may, without
authorization of their husbands, join a union and participate in the administra­
tion and direction thereof.
A rt. 242. In order that unions may be considered legally constituted, they
shall be registered before the proper board of conciliation and arbitration,
and in cases of Federal jurisdiction, before the labor department of the office
of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor. For this purpose, they
shall remit in duplicate to said authorities:
(1) The minutes of the constituent assembly or a copy thereof authorized
by the board of directors of the same body;
(2) The by-laws;
(3) The minutes of the meeting in which the board was elected or an
authorized copy thereof; and
(4) The number of members composing it.
The labor department of the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce,
and Labor, when it has registered a union, shall send a copy of the docu­
ments to the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration.
A rt. 243. When the requisites set forth in the preceding article have been
complied with, none of the authorities may refuse the registration of a union.
A rt. 244. The registration will be canceled:
(1) In the event of dissolution of the union; and
(2) For failing to have the requisites specified by law.
The proper board of conciliation and arbitration shall decide with regard
to the cancellation of the registration of unions.
Art, 245. Acts executed by the union which do not conform to the requisites
specified in this law will be considered null; the authority registering a union
under such conditions will incur the penalty prescribed by article 683.
A rt. 246. The by-laws of unions shall state:
(1) The name of the union, distinguishing it from others;
(2) Its domicile;
(3) Its object;
(4) The obligations and rights of the members;
(5) The method of nominating the board of directors;
(6) The conditions of admission of members;
(7) The reasons for and procedure in expulsion and disciplinary measures.
Members of the union may be expelled only with the approval of two-thirds
of the members;




38

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(8) The manner of payment of dues, their amount, and the method of ad­
ministering such dues;
(9) The time of general meetings;
(10) The time for presentation of accounts; and
(11) Rules for liquidation of the union.
Abt. 247. Unions legally registered have legal personality, and legal ca­
pacity to acquire goods. In regard to property they may acquire only the
buildings immediately and directly intended for the object of their institution.
A bt. 248. The obligations of unions are:
(1) To furnish the reports requested by the labor authorities, when these
refer exclusively to their actions as such unions; and
(2) To communicate to the authority before whom they may be registered,
within 10 days following each election, changes in the board of directors,
executive committee, or members thereof, as well as modifications of the by­
laws, accompanied by a copy of the minutes relating thereto. Failure to com­
ply with this provision shall be punished administratively.
Abt. 249. Unions are prohibited from:
(1) Intervening in religious or political matters;
(2) Exercising the trade of merchants for lucrative purposes;
(3) Using violence toward unorganized workers to compel them to organize;
and

(4) Fomenting criminal acts against persons or properties.

Abt. 250. The board of directors of the union should render to the general
meeting of its members, at least every six months, a complete and detailed
account of the administration of funds of the union. This obligation can not
be dispensed with.
A bt. 251. The board will be responsible toward the union and third parties

in the same terms as agents are under the general law.

Abt. 252. Obligations contracted by the board of directors of a union bind
the latter civilly, provided the board acts within its powers.
A bt. 253. Unions may dissolve:

(1) At the end of the term fixed in the constitution or by-laws;
(2) On the realization of the object for which they were form ed ; and
(3) By a two-thirds vote of the members composing the union.
A bt. 254. In the event of dissolution of the union, the assets will be applied
in the manner set forth in its by-laws, and in case there is no statement to this
effect, they will go to the federation to which the union belongs. In case no
such federation exists, the assets will go to the State.
A bt. 255. Unions may form federations and confederations which will be
governed by the provisions relative thereto. The manner in which their mem­
bers may be represented on the board of directors and general assemblies shall
be determined in their by-laws.
Federations and confederations shall remit, in duplicate, to the labor depart­
ment in the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor:
(1) The by-laws;
(2) The conditions of adherence;
(3) A complete list of the names and domiciles of each and every one of the
adhering unions; and
(4) The names of the persons forming the board of directors.
Art. 256. Any adhering union may withdraw from its federation or con­
federation at any time, even though an agreement to the contrary exists.
Abt. 257. The registry of federations and confederations of unions shall be

in charge of the labor department in the office of the Secretary of Industry,
Commerce, and Labor.

Part 5.—Coalitions, Strikes, and Lockouts
Abt. 258. A coalition is an agreement made by a group of workers or
employers for the purpose of defending their common interests.
Abt. 259. A strike is the temporary suspension of work as a result of a
workers* coalition.
A bt. 260. A strike may be called for the following purposes:

(1) To obtain a balance among the various factors of production, harmoniz­
ing the rights of labor with those of capital;
(2) To obtain from the employer the making or the enforcement of a
collective labor contract;




PART 5.— COALITIONS, STRIKES, AND LOCKOUTS

39

(3) To demand a revision of a collective contract, on the termination of the
period thereof, in the terms and cases provided for by this law; and
(4) To aid a strike which has as its object any of those specified in the
preceding paragraphs, provided the said strike has not been declared unlawful.
A rt. 261. A strike shall suspend a labor contract only for the time of its
duration, and without terminating or extinguishing the rights and obligations
thereof.
A rt. 262. A strike shall be limited to the mere act of suspension of w ork;
violent acts of strikers against properties and persons shall subject said
strikers to penal and civil liability.
A rt. 263. A strike shall be unlawful:

(1) When the majority of the strikers commit acts of violence against
persons or property; and
(2) In case of war, when the workers belong to governmental establishments
or services.
A rt. 264. To declare a strike the following is required:
(1) That it have as its exclusive object any of the purposes specified in
article 260 of this law ; and

(2) That it be declared by the majority of the workers of the enterprise
or company concerned.
A rt. 265. Before declaring a strike workers shall:

(1) Make their demands in writing directed to the employer, in which a
time shall be fixed for the carrying out of the strike, which shall be not
less than six days thereafter, except in the case of public services, in which
case notice shall be served 10 days in advance, stating the day and hour on
which the strike begins;
(2) Send a copy of the written petition which is presented to the employer
to the board of conciliation and arbitration; and
(3) Wait till a negative answer to the petition of the workers is received
from the employer or his representatives, or if no answer is received, to the
end of the time fixed.
Art. 266. For the purposes of the preceding article, the following services
shall be understood to be public services: Communication and transportation;
gas; light and electric power; city water supply and distribution; sanitary
and hospital services; food, in the cases of articles of prime necessity, provided
a complete branch of this service is affected.
Art. 267. Conferences between employers and workers for the purpose o f
arriving at a settlement do not suspend the effects o f the notices required
by article 265.
A rt. 268. Should the board of conciliation and arbitration decide that a

strike is unlawful, it shall declare the labor contracts terminated. The em­
ployer will be free to make new labor contracts, without prejudice to the penal
or civil liability which may have been incurred by the strikers.
A rt. 269. If a strike is declared by a number of workers fewer than the
number fixed by paragraph 2 of article 264 of this law; if the requisites pre­
scribed in paragraphs 1 and 3 of article 265 are not complied with; if the strike
is declared contrary to the provisions of a collective labor contract ; or if the
object of the said strike is other than those specified in article 260—within 48
hours from the time work is suspended the board of conciliation and arbitra­
tion shall declare that a strike does not exist in the enterprise concerned, and
consequently:
(1) The workers who abandoned their work shall be given a period of 24
hours in which to return thereto;
(2) They shall be warned that, by the mere fact of not having heeded such
declaration on the expiration of the said time, the labor contracts shall be
terminated, except in case of force majeure;
(3) The board shall declare that the employer has not incurred liability and
that he is free to contract with new workers and is in a position to resort to
civil proceedings under the terms of article 5 of the constitution against those
who refuse to return to their work; and
(4) It shall prescribe those measures which in its judgment are pertinent
in order that the workers who have not abandoned their work may continue
therein.
A rt. 270. Employers, workers, or third parties have the right to ask boards
of conciliation and arbitration to make the declarations referred to in articles
268 and 269, based on the proofs which they present.




40

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

Abt. 271. If the board of conciliation and arbitration declares lawful a
strike which has for its object any of the purposes specified in article 260 of
this law and the causes of which are imputable to the employer, and the work­
ers have complied with the requisites prescribed in this part, the employer in
such cases shall be liable for payment of the wages for the days on which the
workers were on strike.
The employer shall in no case be liable for payment of wages to workers
who have declared a strike under the conditions stated in paragraph 4 of
article 260.
Abt. 272. When a strike is not declared to be unlawful, the board of concilia­
tion and arbitration and the civil authorities concerned shall respect the rights
of the workers, giving them the necessary guaranties and rendering them the
help which they may ask in order to suspend work in the establishments of
the business or employer affected, in order to avoid violation of articles 8
and 274.
A bt. 273. A strike shall be terminated:
(1) By a settlement between employers and workers;
(2) By an arbitral award of the person, commission, or court freely chosen
by the two parties; and
(3) By decision of the proper board of conciliation and arbitration.
A bt. 274. Until a strike is ended through any of the means prescribed by the
previous article, neither the employer nor his representatives can make new
contracts with the strikers or with any other class of workers, whether indi­
vidual or collective, to continue the work suspended, except in cases especially
provided for by this law.
A bt. 275. Strikers, through their representatives, will be required to main­
tain, and the employer and his representatives are required to accept, the
number of workers necessary in the judgment of the board of conciliation and
arbitration in order to continue work suspension of which would seriously jeop­
ardize the resumption of operations or the safety and maintenance of the work­
shops or the enterprises concerned. If it is necessary, the board of conciliation
and arbitration shall ask for the aid of public force in order that other
workers may render such services if the strikers refuse to do so.
A rt. 276. Strikers shall not suspend work in concerns which are not con­
trolled by the union to which they belong.
Abt. 277. A lockout is a temporary partial or total suspension of work as a
result of a coalition of employers.
A rt. 278. Lockouts shall be considered lawful only when an excess of pro­
duction makes it necessary to suspend work in order to maintain prices at a
profitable level, approval for which has been previously secured from the
board of conciliation and arbitration.
Abt. 279. A lockout declared in accordance with the provisions of this
part shall cease when the board of conciliation and arbitration, having heard
the interested parties, decides that the causes for such lockout no longer exist.
A bt. 280. On partial or total resumption of work, the employer shall be
required to accept those workers who rendered services in the establishment
when the lockout was declared.
In this case the employer and the board of conciliation and arbitration shall
make known the date for the resumption of work through three notices in the
newspaper having the largest circulation, and shall grant to the workers who
were in the service when the lockout was declared a period of 30 days in which
to report for duty in their positions.
Abt. 281. Lockouts declared outside of the cases and without the requisites
specified in the previous articles, through misrepresentation of facts or by
intentional creation of the circumstances mentioned in such articles, shall
cause employers or their legitimate representatives who declared the lockout to
become liable and they shall be subject to the penalties of this law and of the
Penal Code for said acts or omissions.
Abt. 282. The penalties imposed according to the preceding article shall not
exempt the employers from:
(1) Their obligation for resuming the work which was unlawfully suspended;
and
(2) Paying the workers the wages which they would have received during
the time of the suspension.
A bt. 283. In all cases of lawful lockouts declared in conformity with the
provisions of this part, the employer is not required to pay wages or compen­
sation to the workers.




LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

41

Part 6.—Occupational Hazards
A rt. 284. Occupational risks are the accidents or diseases to which the
workers are exposed arising out of or in the course of their employment.
Art. 285. An industrial accident is any injury requiring medical or surgical
treatment, or any mental or functional disturbance, of a permanent or temporary
nature, taking place immediately or at a later time, or death, caused by the
sudden action of an external force which may have occurred during the work,
arising out of or as a consequence thereof, and any internal injury caused by
a violent exertion brought about under similar circumstances.
Art. 286. An occupational disease is any pathological condition which occurs

from a cause repeated for a long period of time as a necessary consequence of
the kind of work performed by the worker, or from the environment in which he
is compelled to work and which causes an injury or permanent or temporary
functional disturbance in the body. This occupational disease may have been
caused by physical, chemical, or biological agents.
In addition to the diseases that are covered by this article, those referred to
in the schedule in article 326 shall be considered as occupational diseases.
A rt. 287. When accidents and occupational diseases occur they may cause:
(1) Death, (2) permanent total disability, (3) permanent partial disability, and

(4) temporary disability.
A rt. 288. Permanent total disability is the total loss of the faculties or abili­
ties which make it impossible for an individual to perform any kind of work
during the remainder of his life.
A rt. 289. Permanent partial disability is the diminution of the faculties of an
individual on account of the loss or paralysis of any limb, organ, or function of
the body.
A rt. 290. Temporary disability is the loss o f faculties or abilities which make
it totally or partially impossible for an individual to be able to work for a period
of time.
A rt. 291. Employers, even though they may have contracted through inter­

mediaries, are liable for the occupational hazards suffered by their workers.
A rt. 292. The provisions of this part are applicable to apprentices.
A rt. 293. The daily wage which the worker is receiving at the time of the
accident shall be taken as the base in calculating compensation referred to in
this part.
As regards workers whose wage is calculated on a piecework basis, the aver­
age daily wage for the month preceding the accident shall be taken as the base.
The lowest wage that a worker receives in the same occupational class shall be
taken as the base in fixing the compensation for apprentices.
In no case may an amount less than the minimum wage be taken as the base
for compensation.
Art. 294. When the wage exceeds 12 pesos a day only this amount shaU be
taken into consideration in fixing the compensation, since for the purposes of
this chapter this sum is considered as the maximum wage.
Art. 295. Workers who suffer from an occupational hazard shall be entitled
to (1) medical assistance, (2) medicines and supplies necessary for recovery,
and (3) the compensation fixed in this part.
A rt. 296. When the hazard results in the death of the worker the compensa­
tion shall include (1) one month’s wage for funeral expenses, and (2) payment
of the amounts specified in article 298 to the persons who were economically
dependent upon the deceased, in accordance with the following article.
A rt. 297. The following shall be entitled to receive the compensation in cases

of death:
(1) The wife and legitimate or illegitimate children who are under 16 years
of age and the ascendants unless it is proved that they are not economically
dependent upon the worker. The compensation shall be distributed equally
among said persons; and
(2) If there are no children, spouse, and ascendants within the terms of the
preceding paragraph, the compensation shall be divided among the persons who
are partially or totally dependent upon the worker and in the proportion in
which they are dependent upon him, according to the judgment of the board of
conciliation and arbitration in view o f the proofs rendered.
A rt. 298. In case o f the worker’s death the compensation to be paid to the
persons referred to in the preceding article shall be an amount equivalent to 612
days’ wages, without deducting the compensation which the worker may have
received during the time he was incapacitated.




42

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

A rt. 299. The payment for compensation in case of death must be approved
by the proper board of conciliation and arbitration, which shall accept the state­
ment made by the wife and children without subjecting them to the legal proofs
which are required under the civil law for verification of the relationship,
but it shall not ignore the records of the civil court in this connection if they
are presented. The decision of the board ordering payment of the compensation
has no other legal effects.
A rt. 300. If an accident or occupational disease results in the worker’s per­
manent or temporary, total or partial, disability, only the injured worker shall
be entitled to the compensation fixed in the following articles. If a worker,
through an occupational hazard is totally or permanently incapacitated by men­
tal derangement, the compensation shall be paid only to the person who in
accordance with the law represents him.
A rt. 301. When the industrial accident or occupational disease leaves the
worker permanently and totally incapacitated, the compensation shall consist
of an amount equivalent to 918 days’ wages.
A rt. 302. In case of permanent partial disability resulting from accident the

compensation shall amount to the percentage fixed in the schedule of disability
valuations, calculated on the amount which would have been paid if the dis­
ability had been permanent total. A percentage shall be taken between the
established maximum and minimum, taking into consideration the age of the
worker, the importance of his disability and if it is total as regards his occu­
pation, even though he is qualified to do other work, or if it has simply dimin­
ished his ability for the performance of his work. If the employer has pro­
vided occupational reeducation and has furnished artificial arms or legs, this
shall be taken into consideration.
A rt. 303. When the occupational hazard has resulted in the worker’s tem­
porary disability, the compensation shall consist of the payment of 75 per cent
of the wages which he fails to receive while unable to work. This payment
shall be made from the first day of the same.
When a worker is unable to return to the service after three months’ dis­
ability, he himself or the employer may request that, in view of the medical
certificates, the reports submitted, and the proofs shown, it be decided whether
the injured worker ought to continue to receive the same medical treatment and
receive the same compensation or to have his disability declared permanent,
with the compensation to which he is entitled. These examinations may be re­
peated every three months. In either case, the time during which the worker
is to receive 75 per cent of his wages shall not exceed one year.
A rt. 304. Compensation which the worker receives in cases of permanent
total or permanent partial disability shall be paid in full, and no deductions
may be made for the wages which he may have received during the healing
period.
A rt. 305. Employers may comply with the obligations imposed upon them in
this part by insuring at their own expense the worker who is to receive the
compensation, on the condition that the amount of insurance be not less than
the compensation.
The insurance policy must be taken out with a national company.
Shipowners are required to carry the insurance referred to in this article,
whenever the contract is drawn for an indefinite period of time.
If it is the fault of the employer that insurance benefits are not obtained, he
shall be required to compensate [the worker] according to the terms of the law.
A rt. 306. The employer may enter into an agreement with the person or
persons who are entitled to compensation, by which he substitutes a temporary
or life annuity which is equivalent to the compensation referred to in this part,
if in the judgment of the proper board of conciliation and arbitration the neces­
sary guaranties have been given.
Art. 307. Within a year following the date on which the compensation re­
ferred to in this part has been fixed by an agreement or by an award of the
board, the interested party may request a revision of the agreement or award
in the event that after the date thereof an aggravation or a diminution of the
disability caused by the hazard has been proved.
A rt. 308. In case of accidents from occupational hazards, employers are
required to furnish immediately the necessary medicines and supplies and
medical assistance. For this purpose:
(1)
All employers must have in their factories or workshops the necessary
medicines for urgent cases;




PART 6.----OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

43

(2) All employers who have from 100 to 300 workers in their service must
establish a first-aid station equipped with medicines and supplies necessary for
urgent medical and surgical attention. This station shall be attended by a
competent personnel under the direction of a surgeon-physician and if in his
judgment it is not possible to give the required medical attention in the work
place, the injured worker shall be transported to the nearest town, hospital, or
place where he can receive the proper attention. The employer is liable for
the cost involved;
(3) All employers who have more than 300 workers in their service must have
at least an infirmary or hospital under the care of a physician; and
(4) In industries which are situated in places where there are hospitals or
sanatoriums or where there are such institutions, within a distance of two hours
or less, using the ordinary means of transportation available at any time, the
employers may comply with the obligation established by this article by having
contracts with such hospitals or sanatoriums so that their workers may be
attended in case of industrial accidents or occupational diseases.
A bt. 309. Transportation companies are required to carry in their vehicles
first-aid supplies for any accident. They, as well as mining companies, are
required to train a part of their personnel so that they may render aid at any
accident, and the personnel in turn are required to render assistance.
A rt. 310. Only surgeon-physicians who are legally authorized to practice
their profession may be called to attend the workers.
A rt. 311. If the injured or sick worker refuses to receive the medical attention
provided by the employer, with a justifiable reason, he shall not lose the rights
granted him in this part.
A rt. 312. Employers are required to report accidents which occur to the
proper board of conciliation and arbitration, and if there is no board, to the
municipal executive or to the Federal labor inspector, as the case may be, within
72 hours. Within this time or later he shall furnish such data and particulars
as he is able to obtain, in order to fix the cause of each accident.
A rt. 313. For the purposes of the preceding article the employer shall furnish
the following data: (1) Name; (2) occupation; (3) time and place; (4) those
who witnessed the accident; (5) residence of the injured worker; (6) place
where he was taken; (7) wage; (8) names of persons to whom compensation is
to be paid in case of death, if any; and (9) firm name or name of the company.
A rt. 314. In case of immediate death, the employer shall notify the authorities
referred to in article 312 as soon as he has knowledge of the accident.
A rt. 315. Employers’ physicians are required (1) upon the occurrence of the

accident, to certify whether the worker is able or unable to perform his work;
(2) upon terminating the medical attention, to certify whether the worker is in
a condition to resume his work; (3) to determine the disability resulting there­
from ; and (4) in case of death, to issue a death certificate and any data obtained
at the autopsy.
Art. 316. The employer shall be exempt from the obligations imposed upon
him by this part as regards compensation, medical attention, and the furnishing
of medicines and supplies for his cure:
(1) When the accident occurs when the worker is intoxicated or under the
influence of some narcotic or enervating drug. In this case he shall only be re­
quired to furnish first-aid treatment;
(2) When the accident is deliberately caused by the worker himself or by
agreement with another person. In this case the obligation shall cease the mo­
ment the guilt of the worker is shown;
(3) When the accident is due to force majeure foreign to the nature of the
work.
Force majeure foreign to the nature of the work is any natural force which has
no relation to the exercise of the said occupation and which does not aggravate
the hazards inherent in the work; and
(4) When the disability is the result of some quarrel or suicidal intent.
A rt. 317. Employers are not exempt from the obligations imposed upon them
by this part:
(1) When the worker explicitly or implicitly has assumed the risks of his
occupation;
(2) When the accident has been caused by carelessness or negligence of any
fellow worker of the injured worker; and
(3) When the accident has occurred through the negligence or stupidity of the
injured worker, provided there was no premeditation on his part.




44

LABOR LEGISLATIOK OS' MEXICO

In the cases in paragraphs (2) and (3) the worker who has violated the labor
or safety regulations shall be subject to the penalties established in this law, in
the work rules, and in the contracts.
A rt. 318. Every employer is required to reinstate any worker who has had to
give up his work on account of having suffered an industrial accident or occu­
pational disease, as soon as he is able to return, provided he has not received
compensation for permanent total disability and that not more than one year
has elapsed from the date when he was incapacitated.
A rt. 319. If the worker is unable to fill his former position but can do other
work, the employer is required to furnish it, if possible, and for this purpose he
is authorized to make any changes in the personnel that may be necessary.
Art. 320. When the employer, in accordance with article 318, is required to
reinstate a worker in his original position, he may dismiss the substitute
worker without the latter having any right to demand compensation.
A rt. 321. The existence of a previous condition (idiosyncrasies, cacochymia,
poisonings, chronic diseases, etc.) is no cause to decrease the compensation.
A rt. 322. In no case, even if there are more than two disabilities, shall the
employer be required to pay a larger amount than that for permanent total
disability.
A rt. 323. The Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor shall issue the
regulations for accident prevention measures in cooperation with the'department
of public health, without prejudice to the provisions contained in other laws on
this subject.
In like manner, the proper secretary is authorized to amplify the schedule of
occupational diseases and that of disability valuations as the progress of science
requires it.
Art. 324. In each enterprise there shall be established the safety committees
which are deemed necessary, composed of an equal number of representatives of
employers and of workers, to investigate the causes of accidents, to propose
measures to prevent them, and to see that they are complied with. These com­
missions shall be performed gratuitously within the working hours.
A rt. 325. In all cases of death by accident or occupational disease an autopsy
must be performed to determine the cause of said death.
A rt. 326. For the purpose of this chapter, the law adopts the following:
SCHEDULE OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
Infectious and parasitic diseases
(1) Anthrax: Tanners, rag handlers, wool combers, shepherds and furriers,
handlers of horsehair, bristles, horns, flesh, and bones of cattle.
(2) Glanders: Grooms, stable boys, stockmen.
(3) Ankylostomiasis: Miners, brickmakers, pottery makers, earth workers,
gardeners, and sand workers.
(4) Actinomycosis: Bakers, millers of wheat, barley, oats, rye; rural workers.
(5) Leishmaniosis: Chicle workers, rubber gatherers, vanilla workers, and
woodcutters in tropical districts.
(6) Syphilis: Glass blowers (first attack: mouth chancre), physicians, nurses,
operating-room attendants (in the hands).
(7) Anthracosis: Miners (in coal mines), charcoal workers, firemen using
coal, chimney sweepers.
(8) Tetanus: Grooms, butchers, stableboys, and cattle tenders.
(9) Silicosis: Miners (in mineral and metal mines), stonecutters, lime
workers, workers in cement works, grinders and masons, sand workers, porcelain
factory workers.
(10) Tuberculosis: Physicians, nurses, operating-room attendants, butchers,
and miners, when silicosis has preceded it.
(11) Siderosis: Ironworkers (filers, lathe operators, and those handling iron
oxide).
(12) Tabacosis: Workers in the tobacco industry.
(13) Other konioses: Carpenters, workers in the cotton, wool, jute, silk, hair,
and feather industries, blowers, painters and cleaners using compressed air
(air guns).
(14) Dermatosis: Sugar-cane harvesters, vanilla workers, linen spinners,
gardeners.




PART 6.— OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

45

(15) Dermatitis caused by physical agents: Heat: Blacksmiths, smelters,
glassworkers, chauffeurs. Cold: Workers in cold-storage rooms. Solar radia­
tion : Outdoor workers. Electric radiation: X-ray workers. Mineral radiation:
Radium workers.
(16) Other dermatites: Workers handling paints made of vegetable coloring
matter having a base of metallic salts or aniline dyes; cooks, dishwashers, laun­
dresses, miners, bleachers of cloth, workers in spices, photographers, masons,
stonecutters, cement workers, cabinetmakers, varnishers, rag cleaners, fullers,
bleachers of fabrics by means of sulphur fumes, tanners (tawers), spinners and
gatherers of wool, makers of chlorine by electrical decomposition of sodium
chloride, workers handling petroleum and gasoline.
(17) Influences of other physical agents in causing diseases:
Dampness: Individuals who work in places where there is much water, as for
example, rice planters.
Compressed air and air in inclosed places: Divers, miners, workers in poorly
ventilated places, other than those places where injurious gases are produced.

Diseases of sight and hearing
(18) Electric ophthalmia: Autogenic solderers, and electricians.
(19) Other ophthalmias: Workers in high temperatures; glaziers, tinsmiths,

blacksmiths, etc.
(20) Sclerosis of the middle ear: Copper plate rollers, mineral crushers.
Other affections

(21) Hygroma on the knee: Workers who usually work in a kneeling
position.
(22) Occupational cramps: Writers, pianists, violinists, and telegraphers.
(23) Occupational deformities: Shoemakers, carpenters, masons.
(24) Ammonia: Workers in the distillation of bituminous coal, in the prepara­
tion of fertilizers for agricultural lands, cleaners of latrines and sewers, miners,
makers of ice, and stampers.
(25) Hydrofluoric acid: Glaziers, engravers.
(26) Chlorous vapors: Preparation of calcium chloride, whitewashers, prep­
aration of hydrochloric acid, chloride, or soda.
(27) Sulphur dioxide: Makers of sulphuric acid, dyers, colored-paper workers,
and stampers.
(28) Carbon monoxide: Boiler makers, smelters of minerals and metals
(blast furnaces), and miners.

(29) Carbonic acid: The same workers listed under carbon monoxide, and in
addition, sewer and latrine cleaners.
(30) Arsenic: Arsenic poisoning, workers in arsenic plants, in mineral and
metal smelting, dyers, and others handling arsenic.
(31) Lead, lead poisoning: Workers in mineral and metal smelting, painters
using white lead, printers, makers of receptacles for storing and handling of
lead and its derivatives.
(32) Mercury, chronic mercurial poisoning: Miners in mercury mines and
others handling the same metal.
(33) Sulphureted hydrogen: Miners, cleaners of cisterns, sewers, furnaces,
industrial pipe lines, retorts, and gas meters, workers in illuminating gas plants
and wine shops.
(34) Nitrous vapors: Workers in nitric-acid factories, and stampers.
(35) Carbon sulphide: Workers employed in the manufacture of this product,
in vulcanizing rubber, and in extraction of greases and oils.
(36) Hydrocyanic acid: Miners, smelters of minerals and metals, photog­
raphers, dyers using blue dyes, and workers in soda works.
(37) Coloring essences, hydrocarbons: Workers in perfume plants.
(38) Hydrogencarbons, coal and oil distillation, preparation of varnishes and
all uses of petroleum and its derivatives: Coal miners, workers in the petroleum
industry, chauffeurs, etc.
(39) Alkaline chromates and bichromates: Workers in chromium paint
plants; makers of colored paper; workers in colored-pencil factories, in ink
and dye factories, in the preparation of chromium and of its components, in the
manufacture of fuses, explosives, powder, smokeless powder, Swedish matches;
in the textile industry for waterproofing materials.
(40) Epithelial cancer caused by paraffin, tar, and analogous substances.

131843°—32----- 4



46

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

Art. 327. For the purposes of this part the law adopts the following:
SCHEDULE OF VALUATIONS OF DISABILITIES
Upper extremities—Losses

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)

Per cent
Amputation at the shoulder____________________________________ 65-80
Loss of an arm between the elbow and the shoulder___________ 60-75
Amputation at the elbow_______________________________________ 55-70
Loss of forearm, between the wrist and the elbow________________ 50-65
Total loss of hand_____________________________________________50-65
Loss of four fingers of the hand, including the thumb and the cor­
responding metacarpus, even though the loss thereof is not com­
plete________________________________________________________ 50-60
Loss of four fingers of a hand, leaving the thumb________________ 40-50
Loss of thumb with its metacarpus______________________________ 20-30
Loss of a thumb only_________________________________________ 15-20
Loss of a distal phalange of the thumb_________________________
10
Loss of the index finger with its metacarpus or a part thereof_____ 10-15
Loss of index finger___________________________________________ 8-12
Loss of distal phalange, with mutilation or loss of the middle
phalange of the index finger__________________________________
6
Loss of middle finger, with mutilation or loss of its metacarpus or
part thereof_________________________________________________
8
Loss of a middle finger_________________________________________
6
Loss of distal phalange, with mutilation of the middle phalange of
the middle finger_____________________________________________
4
Loss of distal phalange only of the middle finger_________________
1
Loss of a ring finger or a little finger, with mutilation or loss of its
metacarpus or a part thereof_________________________________
7
Loss of a ring finger or a little finger___________________________
5
Loss of the distal phalange, with mutilation of the middle phalange
of the ring finger or little finger_____________________________
8
1
Loss of the distal phalange of the ring finger or little finger_______
If the injured member is the less useful of the two, the com­
pensation computed in accordance with this schedule shall be
reduced 15 per cent.
Lower extremities—Losses

(22) Complete loss of a lower extremity, when an artificial member can
not be used_________________________________________________ 65-80
(23) Loss of a thigh, when an artificial member can be used___________ 50-70
(24) Amputation at the knee________________________________________50-65
(25) Mutilation of a leg between the knee and the ankle______________ 45-60
(26) Complete loss of a foot (amputation at the ankle)_______________ 30-50
(27) Mutilation of a foot, the heel remaining_________________________ 20-35
(28) Loss of the big toe, with mutilation of its metatarsus____________ 10-25
(29) Loss of the little toe, with mutilation of its metatarsus___________ 10-25
(30) Loss of the big toe____________________________________________
3
(31) Loss of the second phalange of the big toe_______________________
2
(32) Loss of a toe other than the big toe____________________________
1
(33) Loss of the second phalange of any toe other than the big toe____
1
Ankylosis of an upper extremity
(34) Ankylosis of the shoulder, affecting propulsion and abduction_____ 8-ZO
(35) Complete ankylosis of the shoulder, with mobility of the shoulder
blade________________________________________________________20-30
(36) Complete ankylosis of the shoulder, with immobility of the shoulder
blade_______________________________________________________ 25-40
(37) Complete ankylosis of the elbow, including all the joints of the
same, in position of flexion (favorable) between 75° and 110°__ 15-25
(38) Complete ankylosis of the elbow, including all the joints of the same,
in position of extension (unfavorable) between 110° and 180°___ 30-40
(39) Ankylosis of the wrist, affecting its movements and according to the
degree of mobility of the fingers--------------------------------------------- 15-40




PART 6.----OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

47

THUMB

Per cent
(40) Ankylosis of the carpometacarpal joint___________________________ 5- 8
(41) Ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint-------------------------------- 5-10
(42) Ankylosis of the interphalangeal joint__________________________ 2 - 5
INDEX FINGEB

(43)
(44)
(45)
(46)
(47)

Ankylosis of the metacarpophalangeal joint-------------------------------- --2- 5
Ankylosis of the joint between the first and second phalanges-------- --4- 8
Ankylosis of the joint between the second and third phalanges----- --1- 2
Ankylosis of the last two joints_________________________________ _5-10
Ankylosis of three joints----------------------------------------------------------- --8-12
MIDDLE FINGEB

(48)
(49)
(50)
(51)

Ankylosis
Ankylosis
Ankylosis
Ankylosis

of the metacarpophalangeal joint____________________
of the joints between the first and second phalanges____
of the last two joints_______________________________
of three joints----------------------------------------------------------

3
1
6
8

BING AND LITTLE FINGER

(52)
(53)
(54)
(55)
(56)

Ankylosis
Ankylosis
Ankylosis
Ankylosis
Ankylosis

of the metacarpophalangeal joint_____________________ ____ 2
of the joint between the first and second phalanges_____ ____ 3
of the joint between the second and third phalanges___ ____ 1
of the last two joints------------------------------------------------------- 4
of the three joints----------------------------------------------------- ------ 5
Ankylosis of a lower extremity

(57) Ankylosis of the hip and thigh joint____________________________ 10-40
(58) Ankylosis of the hip and thigh joint, in bad position (flexion, ab­
duction, rotation)-------------------------------------------------------------------15-55
(59) Ankylosis of both hip and thigh joints__________________________ 40-90
(60) Ankylosis of the knee in a favorable position, in complete or nearly
complete extension, up to 135°________________________________ 5-15
(61) Ankylosis of the knee in an unfavorable position, with flexion from
135° up to 30°_______________________________________________10-50
(62) Ankylosis of the knee, bow-legged or knock-kneed________________ 10-35
(63) Ankylosis of the foot at right angle, without deformity thereof, with
sufficient movement of the toes_______________________________ 5-10
(64) Ankylosis of the foot at right angle, with deformity or atrophy
which interferes with the movement of the toes________________ 15-30
(65) Ankylosis of the foot in an unnatural position___________________ 20-45
(66) Ankylosis of the toe joints_____________________________________
1
Pseudarthrosis—Upper extremity
(67) Pseudarthrosis of the shoulder (following extensive resections or
considerable losses of bony substance)_________________________ 8-35
(68) Pseudarthrosis of the humerus, compressed______________________ 5-25
(69) Pseudarthrosis of the humerus, loose___________________________ 10-45
(70) Pseudarthrosis of the elbow------------------------------------------------------- 5-25
(71) Pseudarthrosis of the forearm in one bone only, compressed_____
5
(72) Pseudarthrosis of the forearm in two bones, compressed----------------10-15
(73) Pseudarthrosis of the forearm in one bone, loose----- -------------------- 10-30
(74) Pseudarthrosis of the forearm in two bones, loose_______________ 10-45
(75) Pseudarthrosis of the wrist (following extensive resections or con­
siderable losses of bony substance)------------------------------------------ 10-20
(76) Pseudarthrosis of all the metacarpal bones--------------------------------- 10-20
(77) Pseudarthrosis of one metacarpal bone__________________________ 1- 5
PSEUDARTHROSIS OF UNGUAL PHALAN X

(78) Of the thumb,_________________________________________________
(79) Of the other fingers____________________________________________




4
1

48

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO
PSEUDARTHROSIS OF OTHER PHALANGES

Per cent
(80) Of the thumb_________________________________________________
8
(81) Of the index finger____________________________________________
5
(82) Of any other finger_____________________________________________
2
Pseudarthrosis—Lower extremity
(83) Pseudarthrosis of the hip (following extensive resections with con­
siderable losses of bony substance)___________________________ 20-60
(84) Pseudarthrosis of the femur____________________________________10-40
(85) Pseudarthrosis of the knee with leg hanging loose (following a re­
section of the knee)__________________________________________10-40*
(86) Pseudarthrosis of the kneepan, with a long fibrous callus________ 10-20
(87) Pseudarthrosis of the kneepan, with a short bony or fibrous callus- 5-10
(88) Pseudarthrosis of the tibia and of the fibula____________________ 10-30
(89) Pseudarthrosis of the tibia only________________________________ 5-15
(90) Pseudarthrosis of the fibula only_______________________________ 4-JO
(91) Pseudarthrosis of the first or last metatarsal bone_______________ 3 - 5
Retractile cicatrices
(92) Of the armpit, when there is complete abduction of the arm______ 20-40
(93) In the bend of the elbow when flexion can take place between 110°
and 75°____________________________________________________ 15-25
(94) In acute flexion between 45° and 75°___________________________ 20-40
(95) Of the aponeurosis of the palm of the hand with rigidity in exten­
sion or flexion______________________________________________ 5- 8
(96) Of the aponeurosis of the palm of the hand with rigidity in prona­
tion or supination____________________________________________ 5-10
(97) Of the aponeurosis of the palm of the hand with rigidity in both
pronation and supination-------------------------------------------------------- 10-20
(98) Cicatrices in the space back of the knee-joint in extension from 135°

to 180°_____________________________________________________ 10-25
(99) Cicatrices in the space back of the knee-joint in flexion between
135° and 30°________________________________________________10-50
Functional difficulties of the fingers as result of injuries not to joints "but to sec­
tions or loss of substance in the extensor or flexor tendons, adhesions, or
scars
PERMANENT FLEXION OF A FINGER

(100) Thumb_______________________________________________________ 5-10
(101) Any other finger---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3- 5
PERMANENT EXTENSION OF A FINGER

(102) Thumb_______________________________________________________ 8-12
(103) Index finger--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5- 8
(104) Any other finger--------------------------------------------------------------------- 3- 5
Extensive calluses or poor consolidations
(105) Of the humerus, when deformity and muscular atrophy is pro­
duced --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --5-20
(106) Of the olecranon, when short bony and fibrous callus is produced_1- 5
(107) Of the olecranon, when long fibrous callus is produced__________ _5-15
(108) Of the olecranon, when a noticeable atrophy of the triceps is pro­
duced by very long fibrous callus-------------------------------------------- 10-20
(109) Of the bones of the forearm when interference in the movements of
the hand is produced________________________________________ 5-15
(110) Of the bones of the forearm when these produce a limitation of
pronation or supination__________________ __________________ 5-15
(111) Of the clavicle, when this produces rigidity of the shoulder_____ 5-15
(112) Of the hip, when the lower extremity is left stiff_______________ 10-40
(113) Of the femur, with shortening of from 1 to 4 centimeters, without
injuries to the joints or muscular atrophy___________________ 5-10




49

PART 6.— OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

P e r ce n t

(114) Of the femur, with shortening of from 3 to 6 centimeters with
muscular atrophy, without rigidity of the joints----------------------- 10-20
(115) Of the femur, with shortening of from 3 to 6 centimeters, with
permanent rigidity of the joints--------------------------------------------15-30
(116) Of the femur, with shortening of from 6 to 12 centimeters, with
muscular atrophy and rigidity of the joints----------------------------- 20-40
(117) Of the femur, with shortening of from 6 to 12 centimeters, with
external angular deviation, permanent muscular atrophy, and
flexion of the knee not exceeding 135°-------------------------------------40-60
(118) Of the neck of the femur, surgical or anatomical, with shortening
of more than 10 centimeters, external angular deviation and
rigidity of the joints-------------------------------------------------------------50-75
OF THE TIBIA AND FIBULA

(119) With shortening of from 3 to 4 centimeters with a large and pro­
truding callus--------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-20
(120) Angular consolidation with deviation of the leg, either toward the
outside or inside, secondary deviation of the foot with shortening
of more than 4 centimeters, if walking is possible-------------------- 30-40
(121) Angular consolidation or considerable shortening and inability to
walk______________________________________________________ 45-60
MALLEOLAR

(122) With the foot turned inward__________________________________ 15-35
(123) With the foot turned outward-------------------------------------------------- 15-35
Complete paralysis due to injuries to the peripheral nerves
(124)
(125)
(126)
(127)
(128)
(129)
(130)
(131)
(132)
(133)
(134)
(135)
(136)
(137)
(138)
(139)
(140)

Total paralysis of an upper extremity__________________________ 50-70
Injury to the subscapular nerve_______________________________ 5-10
Of the circumflex nerve----------------------------------------------------------- 10-20
Of the musculocutaneous nerve_,______________________________ 20-30
Of the median nerve--------------------------------------------------------------- 20-40
Of the median nerve with causalgia____________________________ 40-70
Of the cubital, if the injury is to the elbow_____________________ 20-30
Of the cubital, if the injury is in the hand______________________ 10-20
Of the radial, if the injury is above the branch of the triceps_____ 30-40
Of the radial, if the injury is below the branch of the triceps_____ 20-40
Total paralysis of a lower extremity___________________________ 30-50
Injury of the external popliteal nerve______________ ___________ 15-25
Injury of the internal popliteal nerve__________________________ 15-25
Of the internal popliteal nerve with causalgia__________________ 30-50
Combined in both extremities__________________________________ 20-40
Of the crural--------------------------------------------------------------------------30-40
If the injured member is the less useful of the two, the compensa­
tion computed in accordance with this table shall be reduced 15
per cent.
(141) In case the injured member was not whole before the accident,
either physiologically or anatomically, the compensation shall be
reduced proportionately.
(142) In the loss, ankylosis, pseudarthrosis, paralysis, cicatricial retrac­
tion, and rigidity of the middle, ring, and little fingers of musi­
cians, typists, and linotypists, as well as in cases of retractions of
the aponeurosis of the palm of the hand which affects such fingers,
compensation shall be increased up to 200 per cent.
Head
SKULL

(143) Injuries of the skull which do not leave mental derangement or
physical or functional disabilities shall be given medical attention
and medicines only. Injuries causing fracture of the skull shall
bp compensated according to the disability resulting




50

LABOR LEGISLATION OP MEXICO
P e r'ce n t

(144) When causing complete monoplegia of an upper extremity_____ 50-70
(145) When causing complete monoplegia of a lower extremity_____ 30-50
(146) For complete paraplegia of a lower extremity without sphincteral
complications________________________________________________60-50
(147) With sphincteral complications-------------------------------------------------60-90
(148) For complete hemiplegia----------------------------------------------------------60-80
(149) When aphasia and agraphia result----------------------------------------- 10-50
(150) For traumatic epilepsy not curable by an operation and when, in
spite of the attacks, it is fully proven that he is still capable of
doing some work-------------------------------------------------------------------40-60
(151) For traumatic epilepsy, when the frequency of the attacks and
other phenomena permanently and totally incapacitate him,
not permitting him to perform any work------------------------------100
(152) For injuries of the common oculomotor nerve or of the external
oculomotor nerve when any disability is produced____________ 10-20

(153) For injuries of the facial or of the trigeminus nerves_________ 5-20
(154) For injuries of the pneumogastric nerve (according to the degree of
the functional disorder proved)_____________________________ 0-40
(155) Of the hypoglossal nerve, when it is unilateral_________________ 5-10
(156) When it is bilateral___________________________________________30-50
(157) For diabetes, mellitus or insipidus_____________________________ 5-30
(158) For chronic dementia-------------------------------------------------------------100
FACE

(159) For extensive mutilations, when embracing the 2 superior maxillaries and the nose, according to the loss of substance of the soft
parts______________________________________________________ 80-90
(160) Pseudarthrosis of superior maxillary, making mastication im­
possible____________________________________________________ 40-50
(161) With mastication possible but limited-------------------------------------- 10-20
(162) In case of prosthesis improving mastication---------------------------- 0-10
(163) Losses of palatal substance, accordingto the location and the extent
and, in case of prosthesis, functional improvement------------------- 5-25
(164) Inferior maxillary, pseudarthrosis with or without loss of sub­
stance, after surgical operations have failed, when the pseudar­
throsis is so loose as to impair mastication or render it very
defective, or completely prevent it____________________________ 40-50
(165) When the ramus ascendens is compressed-------------------------------- 1- 5
(166) When the ramus ascendens is loose-------------------------------------- 10-15
(167) When it is pressed down on the ramus horizontalis---------------------- 5-10
(168) When it is loose on the ramus horizontalis----------------------------15-25
(169) When it is compressed at the symphysis----------------------------------- 10-15
(170) When it is loose at the symphysis-------------------------------------------15-25
(171) In case of prosthesis resulting in functional improvement, 10 per
cent less.

(172) Defective consolidations, when the teeth or molars do not articu­
late, restricting mastication-----------------------------------------------------10-20

(173)
(174)
(175)
(176)
(177)

When articulation is partial---------------------------------------------------- 0-10
When mastication is corrected by prosthetic apparatus_________ 0- 5
Loss of 1 tooth, replacement.
Complete loss of teeth-------------------------------------------------------------10-20
When bridle cicatrices restrict the opening of the mouth, impairing
mouth hygiene, pronunciation, or mastication, or permit the
escape of saliva___________________________________________ 10-20

(178) Irreducible dislocation of the temporomaxillary joint, according

to the degree of functional obstruction-------------------------------------10-25
(179) More or less extensive amputations of the tongue, with adhesions
according to the degree of interference with speech and swallow­
ing________________________________________________________ 10-30
EYES

(180) Complete loss o f sight o f both eyes_____________________________
(181) Extraction of one eye------------------------------------------------------------------




100
45

51

PART 6.----OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS

P e r ce n t

(182) Concentric narrowing of the field of vision of one eye, with 30°
remaining____________________________________________
0
(183) Of both eyes____________________________________________10-20
(184) Concentric narrowing of the field of vision of one eye, with vision
of only 10° or less____________________________________ 10-15
(185) Of both eyes___________________________________________ 50-60
PERMANENT DIMINUTION OF VISUAL ACUITY (WHEN IT CAN NOT BE
IMPROVED WITH GLASSES)
[When one normal eye is the unit]
Per cent of incapacity in
occupation—
When one affected eye has—

(186)
(187)
(188)
(189)
(190)
(191)
(192)
(193)

__
__
No vision
__ __ ______
0.05 of normal vision__________________________________________
0.1 of normal vision___________________________________________
0.2 of normal vision________ __________________________________
0.3 of normal vision____________________________ ______________
0.5 of normal vision______________________________ ____________
0.6 of normal vision___________________________________________
0.7 of normal vision___________________________________________

Requiring
Not requir­
ing specified
specified
visual acuity visual acuity
25
20-25
20
15
10
5
0
0

35
30
25-30
20
15
10
15
0

(194) In cases where there is a bilateral diminution of visual acuity,
there shall be added the percentage of incapacity for each eye,
which shall be calculated as if the other eye had vision equal to
the unit [normal vision].
(195) In accepting employees into the service it shall be considered, for
future claims for loss of vision, that they have the unit [normal
vision] even when they have seven-tenths of normal in each eye.
VERTICAL HEMIANOPSIA

(196) Homonymous hemianopsia, right or left_______________________ 10-20
(197) Heteronymous nasal hemianopsia______________________________ 5-10
(198) Heteronymous temporal hemianopsia___________________________ 20-40
HORIZONTAL HEMIANOPSIA

(199)
(200)
(201)
(202)
(203)
(204)
(205)

Superior_____________________________________________________ 5-10
Inferior______________________________________________________ 40-50
Quarter (of the field of vision)________________________________ 5-10
Diplopia_____________________________________________________ 10-20
Ophthalmoplegia, internal, unilateral___________________________ 5-10
Ophthalmoplegia, internal, bilateral____________________________ 10-20
Deviation of the edges of the eyelids (entropion, ectropion, symblepharon)____________________________________________________ 0-10
(206) Epiphora_____________________________________________________ 0-10
(207) Lachrymal fistulas-------------------------------------------------------------------10-20
NOSE

(208) Mutilations of the nose without nasal stenosis_________________ 0- 8
(209) With nasal stenosis__________________________________________ 5-10
(210) When the nose is reduced to a cicatricial stump, with severe nasal
stenosis___________________________________________________ 10-40
EARS

(211) Complete unilateral deafness__________________________________
(212) Complete bilateral deafness___________________________________
(213) Partial unilateral deafness____________________________________




20
60
5-10

52

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(214)
(215)
(216)
(217)
(218)

Per cent
Partial bilateral deafness_____________________________________ 15-30
Complete deafness in 1 ear and partial in the other____________ 20-40
Traumatic labyrinthine vertigo, duly proved____________________ 20-40
Loss or excessive deformity of the external ear, unilateral---------- 0- 5
Bilateral_____________________________________________________ 3-10

Spinal column—Disabilities due to traumatism without medullar injuries
(219) Persistent deviations of the head and the trunk, with severe inter­
ference with movements____________________________________10-25
(220) With permanent rigidity of the spinal column__________________ 10-25
(221) Traumatism with medullar injury, when it makes walking impos­
sible and sphincter disorders exist___________________________
100
(222) When walking is possible with crutches________________________ 70-80
Larynx and trachea
(223) Cicatricial strictures which cause dysphonia____________________ 5-15
(224) When dyspnea is produced___________________ ________________ 5-10
(225) When because of dyspnea it is necessary to use a cannula perma­
nently in the trachea_______________________________________40-60
(226) When both dysphonia and dyspnea exist_______________________ 15-40
Thorax
(227) For disability which results from injuries of the sternum. When
a deformity or functional obstruction is produced in the thoracic
or abdominal organs________________________________________ 1-20
(228) Fracture of the ribs when some functional obstruction in the tho­
racic or abdominal organs results____________________________ 1-60
Abdomen
(229) When the occupational hazards produce in the organs contained in
the abdomen injuries which cause some disability as a conse­
quence, these shall be compensated for after proof of the
disability__________________________________________________ 20-S0
(230) Irreducible dislocation of the pubic bone or internal rupture of the
symphysis pubis------------------------------------------------------------------ 15-30
(231) Fracture of the ischiopubic or the horizontal sections of the pubic
bone when some disability is left or vesical disorder or [diffi­
culty in] walking----------------------------------------------------------------- 30-50
(232) For vicious cicatrices of the walls of the abdomen when any disa­
bility results------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-15
(233) For fistulas in the digestive tube or its connections, which can not
be operated upon, and when any disability results_____________ 10-50
Genitourinary system
(234) For stricture of the urethra after an injury, which is incurable
and which necessitates urination through a perineal or hypo­
gastric meatus_____________________________________________ 50-80
(235) Total loss of the penis, which necessitates urination through an
artificial meatus____________________________________________50-90
(236) For the loss of both testicles, by persons under 20 years of age___
90
(237) By persons over 20 years of age_______________________________ 20-60
(238) For prolapse of the uterus due to an industrial accident, duly
proved, and impossible of cure through an operation__________ 40-60
(239) Loss of a breast----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10-20
Various classifications
(240) For mental derangement resulting from an accident, and when it
appears within six months, counting from the date of the occu­
pational hazard_____________________________________________




100

53

PART 7.----STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

P e r ce n t

(241) Loss of both eyes, both arms above the elbow, amputation of both
legs at the hip, or of one arm above the elbow and one leg above
the knee on the same side, medullar injury from any traumatism
which causes complete paralysis of the lower extremities with
sphincter disorders, and incurable insanity shall be considered as
permanent total disability—-------------------------------------------------(242) Purely aesthetic disfigurements shall be compensated according to
their nature, in the judgment of the proper board of conciliation
and arbitration, but only in the event that they reduce in any
way the working capacity of the injured person, taking into con­
sideration the occupation in which he or she is engaged.

100

Part 7.—Statute of Limitations
A rt. 328. Actions arising out of this law or out of the labor contract, whether
individual or collective, must be brought within one year, with the exception
of the cases specified in the following articles.
A rt. 329. The following must be brought within one month:

(1) Actions for the nullification of the contract because of error, fraud, or
intimidation;
(2) Actions by workers for reemployment in jobs which they had to give
up because of accidents or diseases;
(3) Actions concerning rights granted the workers in paragraph 22 of
article 123 of the Federal Constitution;
(4) Actions by employers to dismiss workers justifiably or to discipline
them for their offenses; and
(5) Actions by employers to make deductions in wages of workers for errors
committed.
In the case of paragraph 1, when intimidation is alleged, the time shall run
from the moment in which the intimidation ceases.
In the case of paragraph 2, the period shall run from the time the worker
is able properly to carry on the work of his position.
In the case of paragraph 3, the period shall run from the moment of discharge.
In cases covered by paragraph 4, the period shall begin to run from the
time cause is given for discharge or the faults become known.
Where deductions from salary are concerned, the period shall run from the
moment the errors committed by the worker are sufficiently proved, in ac­
cordance with the terms of the contract.
A rt. 330. The following actions must be brought within two years:
(1) Actions by workers claiming compensation for disability caused by an
accident or occupational disease;
(2) Actions by persons who are economically dependent upon workers killed
in industrial accidents claiming compensation therefor; and
(3) Actions for the execution of the decisions of the boards.
The time in the cases covered by the preceding paragraphs shall run
respectively:
From the moment the nature of the disability or of the illness contracted is
determined; from the date of death of the worker; or from the date on
which the board rendered a final decision.
Art. 331. The statute of limitations shall not begin nor run:
(1) Against those mentally incapacitated, except when guardians have been
appointed in accordance with the law, unless the time has begun to run against
the person from whom the right is derived; and
(2) Against workers in military service in time of war and who, for any
of the reasons contained in this law, shall have acquired rights to compensation.
A rt. 332. The statute of limitations shall be interrupted:
1. By summons, legally served upon the debtor, to any conciliation and
arbitration proceeding before the proper board; and
2. If the person in whose favor the statute of limitations runs acknowledges
orally, in writing, or by indisputable acts, the right of the party against whom
the statute runs.
Art. 333. For the purposes of the statute of limitations, the months shall be
figured by the number of days which they contain; the first day shall be reck­
oned as a full day, even though this is not the case; but the last day must be
a full day, and in case it is a holiday, the statute of limitations shall not
become effective until the end of the following working-day.




54

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

Part 8.—Labor Authorities and Their Jurisdiction
Chapter 1.— Authorities in general
A bt. 334. The following are competent to apply the provisions of this law:

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)

Municipal boards of conciliation;
Central boards of conciliation and arbitration;
Federal boards of conciliation;
A Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration;
Labor inspectors;
Special minimum wage commissions.

A bt. 335. Employers and workers, by mutual agreement, may provide in col­
lective contracts for the formation of mixed commissions having such economic
and social functions as they may consider proper to assign to them.

The boards of conciliation shall carry out the decisions of the mixed com­
missions in cases where the parties declare such decisions obligatory.
Chapteb 2.— Municipal boards of conciliation
A rt. 336. Conciliation is a function of the municipal boards of conciliation,
composed of a representative of the Government, who shall be appointed by the
city council, one representative of the workers and another of the employers
affected.
The Government representative shall be chairman of the board and in no case
shall the municipal executive, members of the city council, or employees of the
municipal administration be appointed to such position.
Abt. 337. Municipal boards shall be formed and shall function, whenever
necessary, in the manner provided for in this law ; but this provision shall not
prevent governors of the States and Territories or the chief of the Department
of the Federal District from establishing them permanently in those regions
where the development and progress of industry require them. Such boards
shall be formed as provided in chapter 6 of this part.
A rt. 338. The following can not be representatives of the workers or the
employers:

(1) The directors, managers, or administrators of the concern affected;
(2) The presidents or general secretaries of the unions affected; and
(3) Those who may have been convicted of infamous crimes.
A rt. 339. The chairman of the board shall have the following qualifications:
(1) He must be a Mexican in full exercise of his civil rights;
(2) He must be of age;
(3) He must be able to read and write;
(4) He must not be related to the representatives who may have to hear
the dispute or difference;
(5) He must not belong to a religious order;
(6) He must not have been convicted of an infamous crime;
(7) He must not belong to an organization of either workers or employers;
(8) He must not be a stockholder in any business located within the juris­
diction of the board; and
(9) He must not be economically dependent upon the employer affected nor
upon any other employer.
A rt. 340. The powers and duties of municipal boards of conciliation are:
(1) To hear for purposes of conciliation, within their territorial jurisdiction,
all differences and disputes that may arise between workers and employers,
between workers only or between employers only, out of the labor contract or
acts intimately related thereto, whether such contracts are individual or col­
lective, provided the same do not come under the jurisdiction of the Federal
boards;
(2) To report to the proper central board controversies which may come
under its exclusive jurisdiction, and disputes in which an agreement between
the parties could not be reached;
(3) To sanction, in such case, agreements which the parties have executed
before them;
(4) In the case of permanent municipal boards, to carry out the procedure
ordered by the central board with which they are connected, and to comply
with the instructions of the latter for the better dispatch of the business; and
(5) Others conferred upon them by the laws and regulations.




PART 8.— LABOR AUTHORITIES

55

Art. 341. The boards shall function with a secretary appointed by the munic­
ipal executive, and in lieu thereof, in the presence of two witnesses.

Chapter

3.—Central boards of conciliation and arbitration

Art. 342. Central boards of conciliation and arbitration are to hear and
decide differences and disputes between capital and labor which arise in their
jurisdiction and which are not within the jurisdiction of the Federal boards.
A rt. 343. Central boards of conciliation and arbitration shall be organized
and function permanently in the capitals of the States and Federal Territories
and in the Federal District. In those States in which, due to the needs of
the industries, it may be necessary to create several boards of conciliation and
arbitration, the governors of the States may constitute as many as may be
necessary, fixing the jurisdiction of each.
A rt. 344. The central boards of conciliation and arbitration shall be com­
posed of one representative of the governor of the State or Territory or of
the chief of the Department of the Federal District, who shall function as
chairman of the board, with a representative of the workers and another of the
employers for each branch of industry or group of diverse labor.
A rt. 345. When the matter affects only one branch of industry or group of
diverse labor the board shall be composed of one representative each of the
workers and of the employers, respectively, and one representative of the
Government.
A rt. 346. If the dispute includes two or more industries or groups of diverse
labor, the board shall be composed of the chairman of the central board and
the respective representatives of the workers and the employers of these groups.
Art. 347. For the purpose of designating representatives of the workers and
of the employers, the governor of the State or Territory or the chief of the
Department of the Federal District shall publish on the 10th day of October of
that year a list of the branches of industry and of the diverse groups of labor
which should be represented on said board in accordance with the classification
made by the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor with respect to the
Federal District, the Territories, and divisions of the Federal jurisdiction, or
by the governors of the States with respect to the States, taking into account
any petitions for this purpose by the groups of workers and of employers in
each region.
Art. 348. If the executives of the States consider that the development of
industry in general does not warrant representation of each one of the separate
branches thereof, the central boards shall be composed of one representative of
the Government, who shall be chairman of the board, and not more than three
representatives of the workers and three of the employers.
A rt. 349. The following are the powers and duties of a central board of
conciliation and arbitration in full:
(1) To hear, for purposes of conciliation, all collective differences or disputes
which may arise between workers and employers, between workers only or
between employers only, provided such disputes arise out of the labor contracts
or of acts intimately related thereto, and affect all the industries of the State
represented on the board;
(2) To hear and arbitrate the differences or disputes referred to in the
preceding paragraph, when an agreement between the parties has not been
obtained;
(3) To declare lockouts lawful or unlawful when they affect all the industries
of the Federal District or the State or Territory in question, after hearing the
case in the manner provided in this law;
(4) To render final decisions on the questions of competency referred to in
paragraph 1 of article 438 of this law;
(5) To review the acts of the special minimum wage commissions within the
terms of chapter 9 of this part;
(6) To see that municipal boards of conciliation are formed and function
properly;
(7) To give orders and instructions to the members of said boards for the
better performance of their duties;
(8) To inform the proper executive of omissions or negligence on the part
of members of the boards in the performance of their duties;
(9) To approve or disapprove work rules, as the case may be, under the
terms of article 105; and



56

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(10) Others that may be conferred upon them by the laws and regulation*.
A rt. 350. When the dispute does not include all the industries mentioned
in the preceding article, hearings thereon shall be by the special boards of the
branches affected by the dispute, which shall deal with it by conciliation and
arbitration.
A rt. 351. The powers and duties of the special groups of the board, in
everything regarding their branch, are as follow s:

(1) To hear, for purposes of conciliation, individual or collective disputes
which may arise in the municipality of their residence;
(2) To hear, for purposes of arbitration, the disputes to which the preceding
paragraph refers, when the parties have not reached an agreement;
(3) Likewise to hear, for purposes of conciliation, the disputes or differences
referred to in the preceding paragraph, when the same affect or include two
or more jurisdictional territories of the municipal boards;
(4) To hear, for purposes of arbitration, the disputes or differences referred
to in the preceding paragraph;
(5) To hear, for purposes of arbitration, disputes which the municipal boards
may forward for decision;
(6) To receive as depository and to register work rules within the terms of
chapter 6 of Part 2; and
(7) Others that may be conferred upon them by the laws and regulations.

Chapter

4.—Federal boards of conciliation

A rt. 352. The Federal boards of conciliation shall function solely for the
purpose of mediation, and their intervention in matters properly coming before
them shall be limited to endeavoring to bring the parties to an agreement.
Art. 353. The jurisdiction of the Federal boards of conciliation shall be
exercised within the same territorial limits as those specified for the Federal
Board of Conciliation and Arbitration. Federal boards of conciliation shall be
formed whenever it may be necessary.
A rt. 354. Federal boards of conciliation shall be formed in the same manner
as municipal boards of conciliation and shall be presided over by the labor
inspector named by the appropriate department of the office of the Secretary
of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
A rt. 355. The office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor may
create permanent Federal boards of conciliation, according to the needs of a cer­
tain region, the designation of representatives of workers and of employers
being subject to the provisions governing the designation of representatives on
the central and Federal boards.
Art. 356. Labor inspectors and representatives of workers and of employers
on the Federal boards of conciliation must have the qualifications specified in
the regulations o f the department and those required for chairman and repre­
sentatives of workers, respectively, on municipal boards.

A rt. 357. The powers and duties of the Federal boards of conciliation in dis­
putes under Federal jurisdiction are the same as those fixed by this law for
municipal boards of conciliation.
Chapter 5.—Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration
A rt. 358. A Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration shall be established

in Mexico City to hear and decide differences or disputes between workers and
employers arising out of the labor contract or acts intimately related thereto,
as well as those of a similar nature between workers or between employers in
the case of enterprises or industries operating under Federal concession or
whose activities are carried on totally or partially within the Federal zones.
Art. 359. By reason of their nature the Federal board shall hear disputes
referring t o :

(1) Transportation companies in general which operate under a Federal
contract or concession (land, maritime, river, and air transportation and com­
munication, and telephone and telegraph communication) ;
(2) Enterprises dedicated to the extraction of mineral substances under the
direct dominion of the Nation in accordance with article 27 of the Constitution
and its regulatory laws, and the industries connected therewith;




PARO? 8.— LABOR AUTHORITIES

57

(3) Enterprises which, operating under Federal concession, import or ex­
port electric energy or any other physical power;
(4) The generation and transmission of physical power by companies which
are under Federal jurisdiction or operate under a Federal concession, when
their operations extend over two or more Federal entities;
(5) Industries under Federal or local jurisdiction, when the dispute affects
two or more Federal entities; and
(6) A collective contract which has been declared binding within the terms
of article 58, when it has to be in force in more than one Federal entity.
A rt. 360. The class of allied industries shall be determined by the office of
the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
A rt. 361. Enterprises or industries established entirely or in part within
Federal zones are under Federal jurisdiction by reason of their location.
Art. 362. The Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration shall be com­
posed of one workers’ representative and one employers’ representative for each
industry or group of various allied works or industries, based on the classi­
fication to be made by the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and
Labor, and by a representative of such office, who will act as its chairman.
A rt. 363. The Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration shall function in
banc or in part.
Art. 364. Should the matter dealt with affect only one of the branches of the
industry or groups of diverse labor, or two or more industries or groups of
diverse labor, the board shall be formed in the manner stipulated in articles
344 and 345.
A rt. 365. The Federal board in banc shall have the following powers and
duties:
(1) To hear, for purposes of conciliation, the differences or disputes to which
article 358 refers, whether they are of an individual or a collective nature, and
which in a general way affect industries or groups of diverse labor under
Federal jurisdiction;
(2) To hear and arbitrate such disputes, when the parties have failed to
reach an agreement;
(3) To hear in conciliation and arbitration proceedings collective disputes,
whether or not of Federal jurisdiction, arising between employers and workers,
between the former only, or between the latter only, when two or more Federal
entities are affected;
(4) To hear in conciliation and arbitration proceedings disputes that arise in
connection with a collective contract which has been declared binding within
the terms of article 58, when it has to be in force in more than one Federal
entity;
(5) To see that the Federal boards of conciliation are duly constituted and
function properly;
(6) To render final decisions on the questions of competency referred to in
paragraph 2 of article 438 of this law;
(7) To issue instructions to the members of said board for the better perform­
ance of their duties;
(8) To notify the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor of
any deficiencies in the functioning of the board, suggesting measures that should
be prescribed to correct them;
(9) To issue the internal regulations of the board;
(10) To approve or disapprove, as the case may be, work rules within the
terms of article 105; and
(11) Others fixed by the laws and regulations.
Art. 366. The powers and duties of the special groups that make up the
Federal board are:
(1) To hear, for the purpose of conciliation, the differences or disputes
referred to in article 358, provided such disputes affect only one industry or
branch, of work;
(2) To hear and arbitrate the disputes or differences treated of in the
preceding paragraph, as well as those which are forwarded for this purpose
by the Federal boards of conciliation by reason of the parties not having
arrived at a solution by conciliation;
(3) To receive as depository and to register work rules within the terms
of chapter 6 of Part 2; and
(4) Others that may be conferred upon them by the laws and regulations.




58

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

Chapter 6.—Election of representatives of workers

and of employers on central
and Federal boards of conciliation and arbitration

Art. 367. The workers’ and the employers’ representatives on the central
boards of conciliation and arbitration shall be elected at conventions which
shall be organized and shall function subject to the provisions of this chapter.
A rt. 368. There shall be as many conventions of workers and of employers as
there are special groups constituting the board in question based on the classi­
fication of industries or groups of diverse labor made by the corresponding
executives or the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
A rt. 369. Only the following may participate in the election:
(1) Labor organizations whose members are actually in the service of an
employer or group of employers under labor contracts;
(2) Organized workers who, even though not coming within the conditions
specified in the preceding paragraph because of special circumstances, may have
been employed for a period longer than six months during the year prior to the
date of the election; and
(3) Unorganized workers in places where there are no organized workers.
A rt. 370. As regards employers, only those who have wage earners in their

service within the terms of paragraph 1 of the preceding article shall be able
to designate representatives. This applies to both organized and independent
employers.
A rt. 371. On the 1st day of October of the year of the election, State and
Territorial governors or the chief of the Department of the Federal District
shall summon the workers and employers for the establishment of central boards
of conciliation and arbitration. These notices shall state the day, hour, and
place where the delegates are to meet.
A rt. 372. The duly registered employers’ or workers’ organizations shall
accredit their respective delegates before the executive not later than November
15. Each organization shall name one delegate.

A rt. 373. The credentials of delegates shall be issued by the committees or
boards of directors of the organizations which appointed them. The proper
authority shall certify having verified the number of workers, for the purpose
of computing the votes.

A rt. 374. The delegates of the workers’ organizations shall have in the elec­
tion a number of votes equal to the number of individuals they represent;
those of the employers’ organizations shall have as many votes as there are
workers employed.
Art. 375. Unorganized workers employed by any given enterprise, in the case
of paragraph 3 of article 369, shall agree among themselves on the appointment

of a common delegate, whom they shall accredit on the date stipulated in
article 372. If by this date they have not made the appointment, it shall be
made by the governors of States and Territories, the chief of the Department
of the Federal District, or in case of enterprises or industries under Federal
jurisdiction, by the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
Delegates of unorganized workers shall have the right to a number of votes
equal to the number of workers that participate in their election.
A rt. 376. Independent employers shall have 1 vote for every worker in theii
service.

A rt. 377. Appointment of delegates who do not represent organized employers
can be made by means of a power of attorney signed by the representatives
before two witnesses and attested by the labor authority. Should the person
executing the power of attorney be unable to write, the same may be signed by
another person at his request.
A rt. 378. For the purposes of the preceding articles, the labor authorities shall
draw up the following:
(1) A list of the labor unions, with the full name, nationality, age, address,
occupation, and civil status of the individuals belonging thereto;
(2) A list of the employers’ associations, giving the full name, nationality,
age, address, civil status, and kind of industry or work of the individuals be­
longing thereto as well as the number and names of the workers employed by
each of them;
(3) A list of independent employers, containing the same data as that stipu­
lated in the preceding paragraph; and
(4) A list of unorganized workers, containing the same data as that stipu­
lated in paragraph 1.




PART

8.— LABOR

AUTHORITIES

59

The correctness of these lists shall be certified by special inspectors appointed
at the time by the State or Territorial governors, by the chief of the Department
of the Federal District, or by the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
Art. 379. The data in the possession of the central boards of conciliation and
arbitration and those referred to in article 242 shall be taken into consideration
in enrolling employers’ associations and labor unions in the respective lists.
A rt. 380. On the 1st of December of even years conventions shall be held in
the capitals of the States, Federal District, and Federal Territories for the
election of representatives of workers and of employers to serve on the central
boards of conciliation and arbitration, in accordance with the notices referred
to in article 371.
Art. 381. The delegates of workers and of employers having assembled in the
place and at the hour previously fixed, under the chairmanship of the governor
of the State or Territory or that of the chief of the department of the Federal
District, or of the person designated by him, their credentials shall be registered,
after which a board of directors of the convention, consisting of a chairman,
two secretaries, and two directors shall be elected by a majority of the dele­
gates present. Votes shall be counted by two of the delegates present, specially
elected by a majority vote.
A rt. 382. When the board of directors of the convention has been installed, the
credentials of the delegates shall be passed on, being read aloud. Credentials
can be rejected by the convention only when they fail to meet the requirements
of article 373 or when it is proved that the electors do not belong to the group
of workers which is empowered to elect delegates.
Art. 383. The credentials having been approved, the representatives of the
branch of industry or the group of diverse labor who are to serve on the central
board of conciliation and arbitration shall be elected. Votes shall be computed
in the manner provided for in articles 373 and 376.
A rt. 384. For each regular representative an alternate shall be elected.
A rt. 385. When the election of representatives has been completed, minutes
of the proceedings shall be drawn up, the necessary number of certified copies
being made for distribution as follows: One copy to be filed in the archives
of the board, and another to be sent to the governor of the State or Territory
or to the chief of the Department of the Federal District. The remainder shall
be distributed among the representatives elected, both regular and alternates,
to serve as their credentials.
A rt. 386. The persons elected and provided with credentials shall immedi­
ately present themselves to the governor of the State or Territory, or to the
chief of the Department of the Federal District and present their credentials
for the purpose of review thereof and as a means of identification.
A rt. 387. On the first working-day of the following January, the executive,
or his appointee, shall preside at the session at which the central board of
conciliation and arbitration is organized, the persons who make up said body
having previously taken the oath of office before said official.
A rt. 388. Should a majority of the workers’ and employers’ delegates fail to
assemble prior to December 1, or should no such delegates have been elected, the
election shall be made by the minority which is present. Should no delegates
appear, it shall be taken for granted that the interested parties delegate their
powers to the governors of the States or Territories or to the chief of the
Department of the Federal District.
A rt. 389. A similar procedure shall be followed for the organization of the
Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration, with the following modifi­
cations :
(1) The conventions shall be held in the capital of the Republic;
(2) They shall be organized by the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and
Labor or by the person to whom he may delegate this duty;
(3) The delegates acting as examiners shall be elected by a majority vote of
the delegates present;
(4) The data for the list of employers’ and workers* organizations shall be
obtained from information in the possession of the Department of Labor;
(5) The credentials issued to representatives by the conventions must be
presented to the chief of the Department of Labor for the purposes of article
386;
(6) The delegation of powers conferred by article 388 shall devolve on the
Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor;
(7) Copies of the minutes referred to in article 385 shall be sent to the
Federal board and to the Department of Labor, respectively; and




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LABOR LEGISLATION OP MEXICO

(8)
The representatives shall take the oath of office before the Secretary of
Industry, Commerce, and Labor or before the person designated by him for
that purpose.
A rt. 390. Workers* or employers’ representatives on the central boards as
well as on the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration shall serve a
term of two years, except in the case of resignation, removal, or revocation of
appointment. They may be reelected except in case of removal for justifiable
cause.
A rt. 391. The position of a representative is revocable when the revocation
is requested by two-thirds of the total number of workers or employers belonging
to the group he represents. Petitions for such revocation must be forwarded to
the State or Territorial governors, to the chief of the Department of the Federal
District, or to the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, who after
verification of the above facts shall issue a statement to that effect and call
upon the alternate. Should the latter be unable to act, or in case the revoca­
tion should affect him, on making the petition for revocation the appointment
of another alternate shall be proposed.
A rt. 392. Resignations of representatives of workers or of employers must
be reported to the State or Territorial governors, the chief of the Department
of the Federal District, or the Secretary of Industry, Commerce and Labor, as
the case may be. The reason therefor having been investigated, said resigna­
tions shall be accepted or refused as may be deemed advisable.
A rt. 393. During temporary or permanent absences of representatives serv­
ing on the central boards or the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration,
such absences not being due to removal or revocation of their appointment,
their respective alternates shall serve in their places. Should these alternates
fail to appear within 10 days after summons by the chairman of the board,
the State or Territorial governors, the chief of the Department of the Federal
District, or the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, in
the case of the Federal board, shall appoint other alternates.
A rt. 394. In the absence of the chairman of the board, his place shall be
taken by the secretary general, should there be one; if there is none, or in the
absence of both the chairman and the secretary general, these positions shall
be occupied by the secretaries of the special groups in their numerical order.
A rt. 395. When any of the workers’ or employers’ representatives is un­
able to participate in the hearing of a case, due to challenge, excuse, etc., his
alternate shall be called. If his alternate is in a similar position, the State
or Territorial governors, the chief of the Department of the Federal District,
or the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, as the case may be, shall
appoint a representative to serve in his place.
Art. 396. A representative of the workers or the employers must have the
following qualifications:

(1) He must be a Mexican, must have reached his majority, and be in full
enjoyment of his civil rights;
(2) He must be able to read and write;
(3) He must not belong to any religious order; and
(4) He must not have been convicted of any infamous crime.
A rt. 397. The chairman of a central or Federal board of conciliation and
arbitration must have the following qualifications;
(1) He must be a Mexican in full enjoyment of his civil rights;
(2) He must be over 25 years of age;
(3) He must be a lawyer with a degree issued by a competent authority
or a specialist in industrial law;
(4) He must not belong to any religious order; and
(5) He must not have been convicted of any infamous crime.
Similar qualifications are necessary for assistant chairmen of the various
special groups, with the exception of the one specified in paragraph 3.
A rt. 398. The chairman and the employers’ and workers’ representatives
shall receive the remuneration fixed for them in the local or Federal budgets
of expenditure, as the case may be. The employees of each board shall be
comprised of the personnel authorized in the annual budget for the current
year.
A rt. 399. The secretaries of the central boards or of the Federal Board of
Conciliation and Arbitration must be attorneys or licentiates in economics, hav­
ing a legal degree, preference being given to those who have specialized in the
study of labor legislation,




PART 8.----LABOR AUTHORITIES

61

A rt. 400. The chairmen, secretaries, and other employees of the boards shall
be appointed by the executive of the particular board.
Abt. 401. The central boards and the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbi­
tration shall function in accordance with the internal regulations drawn up by
the board in banc. The regulations of the municipal boards and of the Federal
boards of conciliation shall be drawn up in like manner.
Chapter

7.—Labor inspectors

A rt. 402. Labor inspectors shall be local or Federal. The former shall be
appointed by the governors of the Federal entities and by the chief of the
Department of the Federal District, and the latter by the office of the Secretary
of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
A rt. 403. Inspectors shall see that in all labor centers the provisions of this
law and its regulations regarding hygiene and safety in workshops are duly
observed as well as those provisions which specify the rights and obligations of
workers and employers, with a view to applying the penalties contained in the
respective chapter. They shall also pay attention to all those precepts com­
pliance with which guarantees harmonious relations between employers and
workers. They shall likewise see that the prohibition against minors and women
doing night work is complied with, all nonobservances noted being reported
to the proper authorities for punishment. Finally, they must obey instructions
from their superiors in rank with reference to the performance of their duties.
A rt. 404. For the purposes of the preceding article, labor inspectors shall be
authorized, on presentation of their credentials, to visit the premises of com­
panies at any hour of the day or night; whenever this may be necessary they
shall likewise be authorized to question the personnel of such establishments,
without the presence of witnesses, and to call for such documents and files as
this law requires. The inspectors shall make a written report thereof, stating
whether they have discovered any irregularities in the company inspected.
These reports must be forwarded to the authorities under whose jurisdiction
they are, who, in view thereof, will impose the proper penalties and issue orders
for the enforcement of such measures as are prescribed by the law.
Labor inspectors shall be required to make the investigations referred to in
this article on receipt by them of verbal or written complaints from any of the
parties that the law or the work rules are being violated on the premises of
the company in question.
Labor inspectors shall be held liable if they divulge secrets of manufacture
or operation with which they may become acquainted in the course of their
duties.
A rt. 405. When labor inspectors preside at meetings of the Federal boards of
conciliation they shall be directly responsible to the Federal Board of Concilia­
tion and Arbitration. Any act of disobedience shall be punished in accordance
with the provisions of article 670 of this law.
A rt. 406. The Federal Executive and the local executives shall issue the
regulations to which the inspectors under their jurisdiction are subject in
the discharge of their duties.
Chapter 8.—Office of

the attorney for the defense of labor

A rt. 407. The Federal Executive and the State governors shall appoint the
number of labor attorneys which they may deem necessary for the defense of the
interests of wage earners.
Art. 408. The object of the office of the attorney for the defense of labor
shall be:
(1) To represent or advise the workers or their unions, whenever requested
by them, before the competent authorities, in differences and disputes which
may arise between them and their employers by reason of the labor contract.
(2) To present all the ordinary and special recourses that may be available
for the defense of the worker.
(3) To see that prompt and expeditious justice is administered by the labor
courts, taking all the steps necessary under the terms of this law to insure
agreements and decisions being made within the proper legal time limits.
Art. 409. The authorities of the Republic shall be required to furnish the
office of the attorney for the defense of labor with all the data and information
131843°—32------5



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LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

requested to enable it to perform its duties more efficiently, and for this purpose
shall grant it all the facilities necessary.
A r t . 410. The office of the attorney for the defense of labor, through the office
of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor or the State governors, as
the case may be, is authorized to make use of the means of compulsion provided
by this law, to secure compliance with the agreements it makes in the exercise
of its duties.
A rt. 411. The office of the attorney for the defense of labor, in the discharge
of the mission conferred on it, is empowered to propose amicable solutions to
the interested parties for the settlement of their differences or disputes, a
written record of the results obtained, attested by the proper official, being
made in all cases.
A rt. 412. The personnel of the office of the attorney for the defense of labor
shall render their services gratuitously.
A rt. 413. The Federal Executive and the State and Territorial governors and
the chief of the Department of the Federal District are authorized to issue,
according to their jurisdiction, regulations relative to this chapter.
Chapter 9.—Special miniuium wage commissions and manner of fixing

minimum wage
Art. 414. The minimum wage shall be fixed by special commissions, which
shall be formed in each municipality, composed of an equal number of repre­
sentatives of workers and of employers, which number must in no case be
less than two for each of the parties, and one representative of the municipal
authority, who shall act as chairman.
A rt. 415. The central board of conciliation and arbitration, on the 1st day of
November of the even years, shall call upon employers and workers in each
municipality under their jurisdiction to designate their representatives to serve
on the special commissions, which must assemble not later than the 20th of
November and notify the central board of conciliation and arbitration of their
organization. Should any of the special commissions not have been formed
or have failed to assemble prior to December 1, the central board of conciliation
and arbitration shall, within a period of five days, appoint the members who
are lacking.
A rt. 416. The commissions having been organized in accordance with the in­
structions received from the central board of conciliation and arbitration, they
shall, within a period not exceeding 30 days, study the economic situation of
the district for which it is proposed to fix the minimum wage and the different
classes of work. With this end in view they shall collect all kinds of data
regarding:
(1) Cost of living;
(2) The amount necessary to meet the minimum necessities of the worker;
(3) The economic conditions of the consumers’ markets; and
(4) Any further data that may be considered necessary for better discharge
of their duties.
A rt. 417. For the purposes of the preceding article the authorities and all
enterprises, businesses, industries, chambers of commerce, mining, agricultural,
and industrial bureaus, etc., shall be required to furnish any information in
connection with the determination of the minimum wage that may be requested
by the special commissions, within the limitations imposed by the general laws.
Art. 418. Employers and workers may, within the time limit specified in
article 416, present their points of view to the commissions, together with the
proof which they may deem pertinent, and make observations and suggestions
tending to facilitate the work of the commissions.
Art. 419. At the termination of the period specified in article 416 the com­
mission shall issue its decision fixing the minimum w'age in that municipality.
This decision shall be published and reported to the central board of concilia­
tion and arbitration prior to December 31.
A rt. 420. The special commissions shall keep minutes in which shall be
stated substantially all the matters dealt with at all the meetings up to the
conclusion of their task. Such minutes, together with the documents and
reports forwarded by them, shall constitute the papers in the case, which shall
be at their disposal for consultation in case difficulties should arise out of the
decision fixing the minimum wage.




PART 8.— LABOR AUTHORITIES

63

Abt. 421. The decisions of the special commissions shall be made in triplicate;
one copy to remain in the hands of the municipal authority, another to be
sent to the central board of conciliation and arbitration, and the third to be
forwarded to the office of the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor.
The special minimum wage commissions shall be subordinate to the central
board of conciliation and arbitration of the corresponding Federal entity.
Art. 422. The employers’ and workers’ representatives shall :
(1) Be Mexicans and of age;
(2) Be able to read and write; and
(3) Not have been convicted of infamous crimes.
Abt. 423. At any time, upon petition of the majority of the employers or
workers of a municipality, and provided conditions therein justify it, the
special commission may modify the minimum wage fixed. The majority shall
be computed in the terms of article 56.
A bt. 424. In case a special minimum wage commission is not formed, the
majority requesting same shall address the central board of conciliation and
arbitration, which shall at once proceed to form said commission in conformity
with the procedure indicated in article 415 and within a period equal in dura­
tion to that fixed in the said article.
A bt. 425. Decisions rendered by the special minimum wage commissions may
be appealed to the central boards of conciliation and arbitration within a period
of 15 days from the date of publication in the Periodico Oficial. When the
period of 15 days has elapsed, the decision rendered shall be considered as
accepted.
A bt. 426. Upon receipt of the papers in the case by the central board, the
latter shall so advise the representatives of the employers and of the workers
affected and shall grant them a period of 15 days to furnish the board with
any data and arguments they may deem pertinent. When this period has
elapsed, and taking into consideration what has been done by the minimum
wage commission, the board sitting in banc shall render its final decision.
Abt. 427. The minimum wage for work which by its nature can not be con­
sidered as performed in a definite municipality shall be the highest of those
fixed by the respective special commissions in the district in which the work is
performed.
Abt. 428. The remuneration for piecework shall be such that normal work
for an 8-hour working-day results at least in the amount of the minimum wage.
C h a p te b

A bt. 429.

10.—Competency

The board competent to hear labor disputes is :
(1) That of the place where the work is performed;
(2) That of the domicile of the defendant, if there are several places desig­
nated for the performance of the work or if the worker is temporarily employed
at a place other than his domicile;
(3) That of the place where the contract is made, in cases under the preced­
ing paragraph, if the defendant has no fixed domicile or has several domiciles;
(4) That of the last domicile of the defendant in case of absence legally
proved; and
(5) That of the domicile of the defendant, in cases of disputes of employers
or of workers among themselves, arising out of the work.
A bt. 430. The board competent to decide the cancellation of a registration,
when the dispute is limited to this question, will be that of the place where the
registration was made.
Abt. 431. Questions of competency may be raised by writ of prohibition
(inhibitorio) or by dilatory plea (declinatorio) . When the question of com­
petency has been raised by one of these methods, it may not be abandoned to
try the other one. Neither may both methods be initiated simultaneously nor
successively.
A bt. 432. When a dilatory plea has been made, the board shall, within a period
of 24 hours, decide summarily, showing good reasons, whether or not it con­
siders itself competent. In the first case, the proceedings in the case shall
continue; in the second case, the board shall forward the papers in the case to
the central or Federal board, as the case may be, for final decision.
Art. 433. When n board, at any stage of the proceedings, finds that it is not
competent to hear the dispute, it shall proceed as stipulated in the preceding
article.




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LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

A rt. 434. The writ of prohibition shall be requested of the board considered
competent, asking that it direct the one deemed incompetent to discontinue
hearing the case and to forward the papers in the case. The dilatory plea
shall be made before the board considered incompetent, at the time of answering
the complaint, requesting that it abstain from hearing the dispute.
A rt. 435. When a writ of prohibition has been requested, the board shall,
within a period of 24 hours, dismiss the request or decide if it sustains its own
competency. If it sustains its own competency, it shall, within a like period,
notify the board deemed incompetent, directing that it abstain from hearing the
case and that it forward the papers thereof.
A rt. 436. The board notified under the terms of the preceding article shall
decide within 24 hours if it does or does not sustain its own competency, and
within a similar period it shall communicate its decision to the notifying board.
If it sustains its own competency, the proceedings shall be suspended and it
shall at once forward the papers in the case to the court that must decide on
the competency, with the grounds for its decision. If it does not sustain it, it
shall forward the papers in the case without delay to the board requesting them.
A rt. 437. When the papers have been received by the court which must decide
on the competency, it shall notify the interested parties, granting them three
working-days and more if necessary because of distance, in accordance with the
law, in which to set forth in writing their claims as to their rights, and within
this period it may consent to the introduction of any paper in the case or docu­
ment it may consider proper, or make any investigations it may consider neces­
sary in order to render, within the following 72 hours, a decision on such
competency, which must be based on express law. It may levy a fine of from 5
to 100 pesos on the party who may have questioned or attacked the competency
without reasonable cause.
A rt. 438. Competency shall be decided:
1. By the central board in banc—
(a) When concerning municipal boards of the same Federal entity; and
(&) When concerning various groups of central boards.
2. By the Federal board in banc when concerning Federal boards of concilia­
tion among themselves or the various groups that constitute it.
3. By the superior court of justice of the Federal entity concerned in the
case of local boards of conciliation or of conciliation and arbitration and any
other judicial authority of the State or entity.
4. By the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, in the case of—
(a) Boards of various Federal entities;
( b) Municipal or central boards and Federal boards of conciliation or of
conciliation and arbitration;
(c) Boards and judicial authorities whenever they are of different entities;
and
(d) Judicial authorities and Federal boards.
Art. 439. All proceedings of boards which have been declared incompetent
shall be null.
Part 9.—Procedure Before the Boards

Chapter 1.—General

provisions

A rt. 440. No fixed form will be required for briefs, petitions, or pleadings that
may be made to the boards. The parties must set forth the points of their
petitions and the reasons therefor.
Art. 441. The litigants must, in their first brief or at the first appearance or
proceeding, designate a house located within the place of residence of the board
so that notices may be made to them and the proceedings held in which they
must participate.
Likewise, for the first notice to the person or persons against whom the
action is brought, they must designate with exactness the house or any of the
places to which article 444 refers.
Art. 442. Notices shall be made by the secretary or clerk, as the case may be,
by reading the award in full to the person to whom they are made, if he is
present, or by leaving him a copy or extract thereof if he is not.
Art. 443. Notices of the awards of the boards shall be given personally to
the parties, if they appear before the board, on the same day on which the
awards have been made. If they do not appear on the said day, and it is not
a question of the first notice, which in all cases shall be personal, the notices



PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

65

will take effect at the end of the usual office hours on the day following that
on which they were made. The secretary will make a notation in the flies of
the case and will post in the board room lists of the awards then in effect.
A rt. 444. For the purposes of the preceding article and with regard to the
first notice, the notifying officer shall go to the place designated by the plaintiff.
He shall ascertain if the place designated is the residence, office, commercial, or
industrial establishment, or workshop of the person to whom the notice should
be made. After the notifying officer has assured himself that the place desig­
nated is any one of those indicated, he shall notify the interested party if he
is present; if not, he shall leave the notice with the person in charge or the
representative; if neither is present, he shall leave a note that he may be ex­
pected at a fixed hour on the following day; if neither the employer, the
person in charge, nor a representative is present at that hour, he shall leave
the notice with anyone he finds there, and if no one is present or the establish­
ment or residence is closed, he shall leave it with a neighbor, and, as a last
resort, with the nearest police officer on duty. These facts will be noted in the
files. The notices should be made at least one day before the date set for
the judicial proceeding specified therein.
A rt. 445. The notice which must be made by the Federal board or the central
boards of the States, the Federal District, or the Federal Territories relative to
the first award rendered by these boards, in cases sent to them by the municipal
boards or the Federal boards of conciliation, shall also be made personally.
A rt. 446. Notices and summons which are not served in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter shall be null. When a question of nullity is raised,
the boards shall decide it summarily without trying the point at issue.
However, when the party notified or summoned has admitted that he is
acquainted with the award, the award will take effect from that time as if the
notice had been made in accordance with the provisions of the law. .
This does not relieve the notifying officer from the disciplinary measures
specified in article 654.
A rt. 447. When a judicial proceeding is to be carried out at a place other
than the residence of the board, the latter shall, by means of letters rogatory,
intrust its performance to the proper judge or board therein. No authority shall
make any charge in case of attestation of signatures.
A rt. 448. The provision in the preceding article shall be understood to be
without prejudice to the authority of the board to hold sessions at any place
or town within its jurisdiction, in order to carry out the proceedings, whenever
it may deem it desirable.
A rt. 449. The board that receives or to whom letters rogatory are presented
in due form shall comply with the request therein, provided its own jurisdiction
is not prejudiced thereby, giving the necessary orders to carry out the proceed­
ings requested, within the time limit set forth in said letters rogatory, or as soon
as possible if no time limit is specified therein.
When the board has complied with the letters rogatory it shall return them
immediately to the requesting board through the same channels as they were
received.
A rt. 450. When compliance with the letters rogatory is delayed, a reminder
shall be sent by the requesting officer on his own initiative or at the request of
an interested party.

If, notwithstanding the reminder, the delay continues, the requesting officer
shall report it to the immediate superior of the officer of whom the request
was made.
Art. 451. When a summons or other proceeding is to be carried out in a
foreign country, the letters rogatory shall be forwarded through diplomatic
channels.
Art. 452. The time limit shall begin to run from the day following that on
which the summons or notice is made and the day of expiration shall be
included.
A rt. 453. In no period fixed by days shall those in which the board can not
function be considered, nor shall vacation days be included.
A rt. 454. All days in the year are working-days, except Sundays and those
declared by law to be holidays or days of mourning. Working hours are those
included between 7 a. m. and 7 p. m.
A rt. 455. The chairman or the boards can declare as working days and hours
those not so considered, in order that judicial proceedings may be carried out
in the event an urgent cause demands it, stating such cause and the proceedings
to take place.



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LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

A rt. 456. The proceedings before the boards must take place on workingdays and hours, under penalty of nullity, except as provided in the preceding
article.
A rt. 457. As long as an attorney continues in a case, summons and notices

of all kinds made to him shall have the same force and effect as if made to
his client.
A rt. 458. When a person unknown to the members of the board or the secre­

taries appears as a plaintiff or defendant, he shall be identified by means of an
oral declaration or a statement of acquaintance made by a reputable person
living there, by means of a written statement, or by any other means which in
the opinion of the board may be sufficient.
Identification of unknown persons will not be necessary when, on account of
the nature or circumstances of the case, there is no danger of impersonation.
Art. 459. Excluding the cases referred to in the last part of this article,
identity shall be proved by the interested parties as provided by the civil law.
The interested parties may grant a power of attorney before the board of con
ciliation and arbitration in their place of residence so as to be represented in
cases, regardless of the amount involved. When the interested party resides
in a place other than that in which the case must be heard, he may grant the
power of attorney before the board of conciliation and arbitration of the place
of his residence and prove his identity before the proper board with certified
and duly authorized copies of official records. The board, however, may con­
sider the identity of a party as proved, without submitting it to the civil law,
if and when it is evident from the documents presented that he actually repre­
sents the interested party.
Art. 460. Employers’ associations and workers’ unions can appear before the
boards as plaintiffs or defendants, in defense of their collective rights and
of the individual rights of their members, in the capacity of associates, without
prejudice to their right to act directly or to intervene in the controversy, par­
ticipation by the union ceasing from that time. Except as specially provided
for in the by-laws, the union shall be represented by the president of its board
of directors or committee, or by a person designated by either.
A kt. 461. Hearings of cases shall be public. Nevertheless, the board on its
own initiative or at the request of a party to the suit, may order the trial of
certain cases to be private when the better dispatch thereof, morality, or decency
require it.
When such a claim is alleged at the time the proceedings are begun, and the
parties have been previously heard at a private hearing, the board shall decide
at once what may be advisable.
A iit. 462. The representatives shall receive all depositions and shall be present
at the submission of all evidence, any official violating this provision being
liable. The absence of one of the representatives shall not be a just cause
to suspend the hearings; the proceedings in this event shall be in charge of the
majority present.
A rt. 463. Those who interrupt the hearings or other solemn acts of the
boards by manifest expressions of approval or disapproval, failing to give due
respect or consideration to them, or disturbing the order in any way, provided
the act does not constitute a crime, shall be immediately admonished by the
chairman or his assistant and shall be expelled from the premises occupied by
the board if they do not obey the first warning, without prejudice to the right
to apply the penalties prescribed by article 471 if the chairman or his assistant
consider it necessary.
A rt. 464. Those who refuse to obey the order of expulsion shall be arrested
or punished, without the right of appeal, by a fine not to exceed 50 pesos, and
the imprisonment will not end until they have paid the fine or, in lieu thereof,
hav^ been imprisoned for as many clays as may be necessary to pay off the fine
at the rate of 5 pesos per day.
A rt. 465. All the proceedings at the hearings held by the board shall be re­
corded by whoever presides at them, in the form of a summary and in minutes
kept for the purpose.
A rt. 466. During the period of conciliation, intervention by the parties’ legal
advisers at the hearings shall not be allowed. The parties shall appear per­
sonally, except when the board allows them to be represented, in cases where
in its judgment it is justified.
A rt. 467. A person who postpones the performance of the duties prescribed
for him in this chapter, or fails to comply with any of the established formali­
ties, shall be punished by the chairman with a fine of from 5 to 20 pesos.




PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

67

He shall furthermore be liable for all damages, expenses, and costs that may
have been caused by his fault.
A rt. 468. The chairman may correct by disciplinary measure:
(1) Individuals who fail to observe order and due respect at the boards’
hearings; and
(2) Employees who interfere in the transaction of the business by faults
which they commit.
A rt. 469. The representatives of the boards shall also be disciplined for
faults which they may commit and for omissions which they may incur in
connection with the performance of their respective duties.
The same shall apply as respects assistants and subordinates of the board
for faults which they may commit in complying with the orders of the board.
A r t . 470. Punishment of the representatives shall be imposed by the adminis­
trative authority supervising the board it forms. For this purpose the chair­
man of the board shall be required to report.
The punishments of the assistants and subordinates of the boards shall be
imposed by the chairman thereof.
A rt. 471. The disciplinary measures which may be imposed according to the
provisions of the preceding articles shall be:
(1) Admonition;
(2) Fine which shall not exceed 100 pesos; and
(3) Suspension from employment, without pay, which shall not exceed eight
days.
A rt. 472. The disciplinary measures shall be imposed summarily, taking into
consideration what may be the result of the proceedings on the offense com­
mitted and, in such a case, of what is stated in the memoranda or in the affidavit
made by the secretary or clerk at the time the offenses were committed, not only
what may be considered deserving of punishment, but also the explanations
given by the interested party.
A rt. 473. Disciplinary measures which may be imposed on the representatives
of capital and of labor shall, moreover, be reported by the authority imposing
them to the occupational groups who appointed them.
A rt. 474. The chairman of the board may employ the means of compulsion
enumerated below in order that persons whose presence he may deem necessary
may attend the hearings in due time, as well as to insure the prompt carrying
out of the decisions of the special groups or of the chairman him self:

(1) Assistance of the police;
(2) Fine up to 1,000 pesos, or imprisonment up to 15 days; and
(3) Imprisonment for 36 hours.
A rt. 475. All administrative and judicial authorities are required to furnish
to boards of conciliation and boards of conciliation and arbitration the assistance
of their jurisdiction, in cases where they request it, in accordance with the
powers granted to them by this law.
A rt. 476. I f any one of the representatives should refuse to decide any of
the questions raised or to participate in the final vote, after his refusal has
been proved the other representatives shall decide by a majority vote.
The board shall decide daily the cases brought before it and &hall not delay

a decision for more than 24 hours.
A rt. 477. Incidental questions that may be raised shall be decided jointly with
the main question, unless, due to their nature, it shall be necessary to decide
them before, or they are raised after the final award; in no case shall they be
given a special hearing, but, with the exception of those referring to the com­
petency of the board, they shall be decided at once.
A rt. 478. Joint hearing of cases may be decreed on the request of a party
or officially. When a petition is made therefor, it will be decided immediately
without the necessity of a special hearing or other proceeding. In the matter
of granting or denying a joint hearing of cases, there shall be applied, supplementarily, the relative provisions of the Federal Code of Civil Procedure.
A rt. 479. Any person not making a motion during a period of three months
will be considered as having abandoned the case brought by him, provided said
motion be necessary for the continuation of the proceeding. When this time
has expired, the board, officially, shall render such a decision.
A rt. 480. Whenever two or more persons bring the same action or present
the same exception, they may proceed jointly and under the same representation.

A rt. 481. The employers as well as the workers may bring suit against per­
sons who are affected by the award rendered in the controversy existing between
them.



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LABOB LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

The board may summon to trial the persons referred to in the preceding
paragraph, whenever the situation above referred to results from the
proceedings.
In a like manner, persons who may be affected by the award rendered in
a dispute shall be authorized to intervene in the same by proving their interest
therein.
Art. 482. Where there are several actions against the same person pertain­
ing to the same subject, all those against him should be presented in a single
claim, and by the exercise of one or more the others are extinguished.
Art. 483. The board of conciliation and arbitration receiving the notice
referred to in article 314 shall, within the following 24 hours, order an investi­
gation for the purpose of ascertaining the persons economically dependent
upon the deceased.
A rt. 484. If the worker has resided for less than six months in the place,
the board shall address letters rogatory to the board in the place of his last
residence, in order that the latter board may start an investigation for the
purpose referred to in the preceding article. All the data obtained by said
board shall be forwarded to the board requesting them.
A rt. 485. The board shall file the documents gathered for that purpose, and
shall summon the parties who have a right to the compensation in order
that they may appear and allege it.
The duties specified in articles 483 and 484 shall devolve on the heads of
municipalities and labor inspectors in places where there are no permanent
boards of conciliation.
Chapter 2.—Challenges
Art. 486. Representatives of capital, of labor, and of the Government may
be challenged only for a legitimate cause.
A rt. 487. Legitimate causes for challenges are:
(1) Relationship by consanguinity or affinity to the fourth degree with any of
the parties in the case;
(2) The same relationship to the second degree with the lawyer or attorney
of any of the parties intervening in the proceedings;
(3) To be or have been accused by any of the parties as the author, accom­
plice, or concealer of a crime or as the perpetrator of an offense;

(4) To be or have been a secret informer or accuser of any of the parties;
(5) To have a suit pending against any of the parties;
(6) To be attorney or defense counsel for any of the parties or to have
stated an opinion on the case as a lawyer or intervened in it as an attorney,
an expert, or a witness;
(7) To be a partner, a lessee, or an employee of any of the parties or
economically dependent upon any of them;
(8) To be or have been a guardian or administrator or to have been under
the guardianship or administration of any of the parties to the proceedings;
and
(9) To be a debtor, a creditor, an heir, or a legatee of any of the parties.
A rt. 488. The workers and the employers may also challenge their respective
representative on the board whenever he may belong to an antagonistic union.
The antagonism shall be understood to be only that of the workers among them­
selves or of the employers among themselves.
A rt. 489. The representative to whom any of the causes stated in the preced­
ing articles may apply shall refrain from taking part in the case.
A rt. 490. Only those may challenge who are legitimate parties in the case to
which the challenge refers.
A rt. 491. The challenge shall be made at the termination of the hearing of
the complaint and the exceptions thereto, when the cause on which it is founded
is prior to the proceedings and there has been knowledge of it.
When the knowledge of the cause of challenge or of the cause itself has been
subsequent to the hearing of the complaint and the exceptions thereto, it shall
be brought to the attention of the board by the interested party as soon as it
becomes known to him.
If this is not proved, the challenge shall be refused.
Art. 492. In no case shall the challenge be made after the case has been
closed.
A rt. 493. If the board considers the challenge to have been made in time and
according to law, it shall issue an order advising the proper party of said ehal-




PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

69

lenge. Otherwise it shall dismiss it summarily and the party challenged shall
continue to hear the case.
A rt. 494. Challenges shall be heard and decided b y:
(1) The chairman, when the challenged party is a representative of the
employers or of the workers; and
(2) The governor of the State or Territory, the chief of the Department of
the Federal District, or the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, as
the case may be, when the challenged party is the chairman of the board.
A rt. 495. After notice of the challenge has been given to the official who must
try the case,, the challenged representative and the party who made the chal­
lenge shall be summoned by said official to appear before him on the following
day. At said appearance he shall hear the parties and at the same time shall
receive any evidence which may be offered as to the cause for the challenge,
when the matter is one of fact.
A rt. 496. After evidence has been received, the official hearing the challenge
shall during the same proceedings decide as to whether it should be considered,
making a record of his decision in the minutes that shall be taken.
A rt. 497. When the challenge is denied, a fine of from 5 to 50 pesos shall be
imposed on the challenger, according to his circumstances, in the judgment of
the official who heard the challenge, or if the fine can not be collected, he shall
be imprisoned for a period not to exceed 86 hours.
A rt. 498. If the challenge is declared to be proved, the official who decided it
shall appoint the person who has substituted for the challenged party, unless
he is a representative of the workers or employers, in which case the provisions
of article 395 shall be followed.
Art. 499. When the chairman or the employers’ or workers’ representatives
voluntarily absent themselves from the hearing of a case, they shall notify
the chairman and he shall notify the Governor, chief of the Department of
the Federal District, or the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, as
the case may be.
If the officials to which it is referred, with the exception of the chairman of
the board, consider the excuse not founded, they may impose a disciplinary
measure on the one named, provided there is sufficient cause for so doing, under
the provisions of the first part of article 469.
Chapter 3.—Conciliation before municipal and Federal boards of conciliation
A r t . 500. In any case of dispute or difference which should be heard by a
municipal or Federal board of conciliation the employer or the worker con­
cerned shall apply to the office of the head of the municipality, or to the
Federal labor inspector, as the case may be, either personally or in writing.
A rt. 501. The head of the municipality or the Federal labor inspector shall
notify each of the parties in the dispute to designate within 24 hours a person
to represent him and in the same notice shall state the name of the person
designated by the city council to function as a representative of the govern­
ment. If the dispute is within Federal jurisdiction, the Federal labor inspector
shall represent the Government.
Art. 502. The parties, within the time specified in the preceding article, shall
designate their representatives. If either or both fail to comply with the
preceding obligation, the head of the municipality or the Federal labor in­
spector, as the case may be, shall designate the persons who are to function
as the representatives of capital and labor, one of whom must be an employer
and the other a worker in the locality.
Art. 503. When the board is organized in accordance with the terms of the
preceding articles, it shall set a day and an hour for a conciliation meeting.
A rt. 504. Upon the day and at the hour set the employer and the worker
shall personally appear before the board and present orally everything per­
taining to their rights. The board shall endeavor to bring the interested parties
to an agreement, in accordance with the provisions of article 512. If they
reach an agreement, the dispute shall be considered ended and the parties shall
be required to comply with the agreement executed.
A rt. 505. If they do not reach an agreement, the board shall summon the
parties to appear before it on the third day thereafter, with the object that
one party shall formulate its complaint and the other present its exceptions
and also submit such evidence as they may desire.




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LABOR LEGISLATION OP MEXICO

Upon receipt of the evidence the board, in view of the same, shall on the
third day thereafter, formulate its opinion as to what would constitute a
friendly compromise, together with the reasons on which it is based.
This opinion shall be communicated to the parties so that they may im­
mediately, if they are present, or otherwise within 24 hours, manifest their
acceptance or nonacceptance of it, with the warning that if they do not exer­
cise this right within the time fixed, at the conclusion thereof it shall be con­
sidered that they accept the opinion together with all of its legal effects.
Art. 506. The agreement arrived at by the parties or that which results from
the express or tacit acceptance by the parties of the opinion of the board shall
be approved by the board. Its execution shall be in charge of the chairman of
the board of conciliation and arbitration and carried out by the authority
whom he designates.
A rt. 507. If both or either of Ihe parties do not accept the opinion of the
board, notice thereof shall be given the board in order that it may at once
transmit the papers in the case to the proper central or Federal board of con­
ciliation and arbitration.
The order directing the transmission of the papers shall advise the parties
that, within 24 hours and taking into account the distances involved, under the
terms of article 511 they must designate the place to which all manner of
notices may be sent them, whether in the place where the proceedings were
initiated, the place where the proper central board is, or the city of Mexico if
the dispute is within Federal jurisdiction. Should both or one of the parties
fail to comply with this requirement, the notices shall be made by posting on the
bulletin board of the board.
A rt. 508. Should either of the parties fail to be present at the hearing re­
ferred to in article 504, the board, after hearing the one that is present, shall
issue a summons for the hearing referred to in article 505.
Should neither of the parties appear, the papers in the case shall be filed for
future action.
Art. 509. Should any of the parties fail to present himself at the hearing
referred to in article 505, the party who attends may plead his rights and
submit evidence. If the absentee has appeared at the hearing mentioned in
article 504, the evidence submitted at that time by him shall be introduced.
Art. 510. If neither of the parties presents himself at the hearing referred to
in article 505 the board shall proceed according to the terms of the last part of
article 508.
C hapter 4.—Procedure before the central and Federal "boards of conciliation

and arbitration
Art. 511. When a claim is presented to a central or Federal board of concilia­
tion and arbitration the chairman of the board shall refer it to the proper special
committee, which shall fix a day and an hour for a hearing, in conciliation pro­
ceedings, of the complaint and exceptions, which shall be held within three days
at the latest, with a warning to the defendant that if he fails to appear it
shall be understood that he is unwilling to come to a settlement. Notice to
the defendant of the hearing shall be accompanied by a copy of the complaint.
When for any reason it is impossible to serve notice upon the defendant at the
place where the board is located, the time within which the hearing must take
place shall be extended a day for every 50 kilometers or fraction thereof.
Art. 512. On the day and at the hour set for the hearing the interested em­
ployer and worker shall appear before the board, personally or through their
legally authorized representatives. The conciliation proceedings shall be held
immediately in the following manner:
(1) The plaintiff shall begin by stating his claim, that is, what he requests
and the reason or basis which he has for it. This may be done by a reading
of his original complaint. Legal reasons in its support may be offered;
(2) The defendant may reply in defense of his interests and also may pre­
sent the grounds for his exceptions to the complaint;
(3) Replies and counter-replies may be made by both parties if they so
desire;
(4) If the parties do not come to an agreement the board shall endeavor to
arrange a settlement, and to this end the chairman or his assistant shall con­
sult the other members of the board and propose the solution which in his
judgment seems proper as a means of terminating the dispute, showing the




PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

71

parties the justice and equity of the proposition which he has made in view of
their respective allegations; and
(5)
If the parties reach an agreement, the dispute shall be terminated
thereby.
A rt. 513. If the parties can not or will not agree, the board shall terminate
the conciliation proceedings and give notice immediately that it will proceed
to arbitrate the dispute, cautioning them to formulate their complaint and
answer.
Art. 514. Should the plaintiff not appear or be inadequately represented,
when an agreement can not be reached the board shall consider the original
complaint in the proceedings and the answer thereto by the defendant.

A rt. 515. Should the defendant not put in an appearance, a day and hour
shall be set for holding a hearing on the complaint and exceptions, with a warn­
ing that should he also fail to be present at the latter it shall be understood
that he admits the allegations of the complaint.
Should the plaintiff not appear at the hearing his initial complaint or brief
shall be introduced.
A rt. 516. Copies of the agreement arrived at shall be delivered to the par­
ties and the agreement, when approved by the board, shall have all the juridical
effects inherent in an award and, by order of the chairman of the board, steps
shall be taken to execute it.
A rt. 517. Should the defendant not appear or be inadequately represented it
shall be understood that he admits the allegations of the complaint, unless
there is proof to the contrary.
Art. 518. I f both parties appear at the arbitration hearing, the plaintiff
shall explain his complaint and the defendant shall make his answer or defense.

In all cases the defendant shall reply to each and all of the statements in­
cluded in the complaint, either affirming, denying, or stating his ignorance
thereof when they do not concern his own acts, or stating the facts as he
believes them to have taken place. He may add to his statement such facts
as he may deem pertinent. In the same manner the plaintiff shall answer any
charge made, stating whatever may be of value in such proceeding.
Previous to the answer to the charge, a compromise between the parties
shall be sought in a short period devoted to conciliation.
A rt. 519. Should the parties agree upon the facts and no others have been
alleged contrary thereto, the question shall be reduced to a point of law and the
board shall immediately proceed to reach a decision, after hearing the parties,
their attorneys or representatives at the same hearing, if it is deemed necessary.
A rt. 520. Should the parties agree that an award may be made without the
necessity of submitting evidence, the board shall proceed to make said award,
unless it should decide of its own motion to hold further proceedings.
A rt. 521. Should the parties not agree on the facts, or allege others con­
trary thereto, the board shall receive evidence thereon. It shall also do this
If the parties request it, or if the allegations of the complaint have been tacitly
admitted by the defendant. For this purpose a hearing shall be held for the
reception of evidence.
Art. 522. At this hearing the parties shall submit the evidence which they
desire to submit to the board. The evidence must be limited to the statements
contained in the complaint and in the answer thereto which have not been
clearly admitted by the party to whose injury they have been made.
When the time is closed for offering evidence the board or the special group,
as the case may be, shall by a majority vote decide which evidence is accepted
and which is rejected because it is deemed inequitable or worthless.
When the time is closed for offering evidence and the board has passed on
the reception of such evidence, no additional evidence shall be admitted unless
it refers to supervening facts or for the purpose of proving the merit of chal­
lenges against the witnesses.
Art. 523. Evidence which because of its nature can not be presented imme­
diately or which requires a previous judicial proceeding must be proposed by
the parties at the hearing of evidence. The same applies to reports and certified
copies of documents issued by any authority, providing there is no possibility
of obtaining them immediately.
Art. 524. Each party shall exhibit immediately the documents or objects which
he offers for his defense and present the witnesses or experts whom he wishes
to be heard. The parties, in interrogating the witnesses or experts, may ques­
tion them freely and in general may present all the evidence which has been
admitted.



72

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

The board or the special group, as the case may be, may by a majority vote
disallow questions which have no relation to the subject of discussion.
A r t . 525. If, on account of illness or for any other reason which the board
deems just, a witness is unable to appear, his testimony may be received at
his home in the presence of the parties and their lawyers, unless because of
the circumstances of the case the board decides that it is prudent not to permit
them to be present.
A r t . 526. Members of the board may freely put the questions they deem oppor­
tune to such persons as take part in the hearing, confront the parties one with
the other or with the witnesses and one witness with another, examine docu­
ments, objects, and places, and have them examined by experts, and, in general,
take such steps as, in their judgment, may be necessary to establish the truth.
The chairman of the board or his assistant shall have, with respect to the
representatives of capital and of labor, the same rights which are granted the
parties by article 524.
A r t . 527. When one of the parties requests it, the other must appear per­
sonally at the hearing and answer the questions asked him, unless the board
excuses him because of illness, absence, or other well-founded reason, or
because the reason for requesting his appearance is deemed trivial and im­
pertinent. If, after being summoned a party fails to appear the board may
construe as answered in the affirmative questions against him, providing the
answers thereto are not contradictory of any other evidence or authenticated
fact of record in the proceedings.
The parties may ask that an agent, administrator, or any person who acts as
a manager in the name of a principal be summoned, when the acts which caused
the dispute were committed by him in such capacity.
When any question is asked which refers to acts not personally committed
by the person questioned, he may refuse to answer if he does not know about
the matter. Nevertheless, he must answer when the acts, although not his own,
must be known to him because of the nature of the relations existing between
the parties who committed the acts.
A r t . 528. Witnesses must speak for themselves, and not through their at­
torneys or employers.
They can not make use of prepared statements in testifying, but when in the
judgment of the board it is necessary, they may aid their memories by con­
sulting notes or memoranda.
A rt. 529. Answers must be in the affirmative or negative, with the addition
of such explanations as may be deemed pertinent or the board may ask.
If a witness refuses to answer, the board shall warn him that it will con­
sider the act as a confession if he persists in his refusal.
It! answers are evasive the board, of its own motion or at the instance of the
opposing party, shall likewise warn him that it will regard them as confessions
as to the acts respecting which he refuses to give categorical answers.
A r t . 530. The board may meet with its secretary in the residence of any of
the interested parties to take testimony, if, because of illness or other special
circumstances, the party in question is unable to appear. If said authority
deems it prudent, it may prohibit the presence of the opposing party and require
him to formulate his questions in writing.
A r t . 531. Arguments may be made by the parties or their attorneys solely
and exclusively on the evidence submitted and on their appraisal of acts con­
cerning which they are not in agreement.
These arguments may be presented orally or in writing to the board within
the period of 48 hours. In case they are oral neither party shall consume
more than 30 minutes therefor, and they shall not be entered in the record
of the hearing.
A r t . 532. After the arguments are made the chairman or his assistant shall,
within 24 hours, ask the other representatives if they desire to develop further
information for their guidance. Should they answer affirmatively, they may
decide by a majority vote to hold any proceedings that are deemed necessary
for the better elucidation of the truth.
These proceedings shall be held in the same manner as those requested by
the parties, and it shall be understood that the hearing shall be continued for
this purpose exclusively, but that the board may not agree later to receive any
other evidence.
A r t . 533. Upon the termination of the arguments, if the board does not decide
to obtain further information or to hold any special proceedings, the hearing
shall be closed by the chairman or his assistant, who shall declare tlie case



PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

73

submitted for its decision and at the same time give notice to the parties to
present written briefs to the board within 24 hours.
Art. 534. In making the decision referred to in the preceding article, the
special group of the central or Federal boards functioning under this system
shall proceed in the manner provided in the following articles.
A rt. 535. The assistant to the chairman of each special group shall, within
72 hours after written briefs have or should have been filed, formulate a deci­
sion which shall contain a summary of the complaint and the answer thereto,
appraising in succession the disputed facts and such facts as are indubitably
in accordance with the requirements of the rules, followed by the evidence
offered by each of the parties, with a conscientious appraisal thereof, and a
statement as to which of the facts are considered as proved, and formulating,
in separate paragraphs, the conclusions which, in the judgment of the assistant
who signs the decision, should contain the basic points of the award.
A rt. 536. The decision referred to in the preceding article shall be made ?n
triplicate. A copy shall be given to the representative of capital and the repre­
sentative of labor and the third copy shall be included in the record. If the
representatives agree with the opinion expressed by the assistant in the said
decision, they shall each sign it, and if they choose to do so may add other
reasons which in their judgment support it. If they do not agree with the
opinion of the assistant, they shall express themselves to that effect within
three days from the day on which the decision was submitted to them, on the
same or on separate sheets but in writing, in order that it may be filed with
the papers in the case for the purposes of the discussion to which the following
articles refer. The decision of the assistant referred to in the preceding article
shall be delivered to the representatives within 72 hours after the written
briefs have been or should have been filed. In case the representatives are
not present at the board, their copies of the decision shall be put at their dis­
posal in the secretary’s office of the respective special group, with the same
effects as if they had been delivered to them. In every decision formulated by
the assistant of the special group, the secretary shall certify the date and hour
when copies were delivered to each representative, the latter signing a receipt
therefor, or, if it is not receipted for, the date when it was placed at his disposal
in the secretary’s office.
Art. 537. Should any of the representatives fail to express his opinion in
writing, as provided for in the preceding article, it shall be considered, for the
purposes of this law, that he has declined to vote, and, in case he has not voted
at the hearing, the decision of the majority shall be regarded as the decision
of the board.
A rt. 538. For the purposes of definitely deciding matters before the various
special groups, the chairman of the board shall fix a day and an hour in
the week for each one of the special groups to discuss and decide the matters
pending and for that purpose, on the day and hour fixed for each group, the
representatives of capital and labor shall meet at the headquarters of the board
in company with the assistant of the respective group. The latter shall
bring all the papers relating to the matters pending. Each matter upon which
there is a discrepancy of opinion, whether it be between the representatives of
capital and representatives of labor, or between them and the assistant, shall
be discussed singly. When, due to special circumstances, it is not possible for
some of the groups to meet upon the designated days, the chairman shall
notify the representatives of the hour at which the meeting shall take place
on the following day.
Art. 539. The board will begin with a reading of the decision of the assistant
and of the written opinions of the representatives, and an exposition of the
reasons on which each one formulated his opinion. The secretary of the special
group, who shall also be present, shall then take a vote and the papers in
the case shall be delivered to him, in order that he may engross the award,
after a notation of the day and hour when it was delivered. The votes in a
hearing of this nature can not in any case or for any reason be changed.
A rt. 540. In case one or both representatives have not voted with the
chairman but have formulated their opinions in writing under the provisions
of article 536, said opinions shall be read at the hearing and shall be taken into
consideration as votes.
Art. 541. The record, showing the votes submitted in accordance with the
preceding provisions, shall be delivered to the secretary of the respective special
groups who, within the period of five days, shall engross the award. For this
purpose there shall be put in the record, certified by the chairman of the



74

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

board, the day and hour on which it was delivered. The secretary shall engross
the award reducing it strictly to the result of the vote, whether it be unanimous
or a majority vote, and adding the individual vote of any of the representatives.
A rt. 542. In special cases the chairman of the board may in writing grant
to members, assistants, and secretaries an additional period of time in which
to perform their respective functions, but in no case shall the entire period
exceed double the limit fixed for each one in the preceding articles; and he
may withhold his vote for eight days.
A rt. 543. If, when an award is engrossed in accordance with the preceding
provisions, any of the representatives, either of the Government, of labor,
or of capital, refuses to sign it, and it is signed by the other two representatives,
a demand that he do so shall be made upon him by the secretary of the special
group if he is a representative of capital or labor, and by the secretary general
if he is a Government representative. If such representative fails to meet
with the board it shall be taken that he is unwilling to sign the award and
it shall become effective without his signature after certification by the secre­
tary general that he can not obtain it. When the demand is made and it is
established that he refused to sign, the award shall become effective as though
it had been signed by the representative.
A r t . 544. The determination of matters before the boards functioning in banc
shall be regulated by the following articles.

Art. 545. The secretary of the board shall formulate a decision according to
the terms of article 535, which must be consistent with the regulation which
governs its provisions, making as many copies as the board has representatives
and delivering one copy to each of them within a period of three days.
Art. 546. The chairman of the board shall fix at least one day in the week
for the board to meet in banc, for the purpose of voting on matters which are
submitted for final decision and at this session the secretary shall report on
all those matters in which delivery of a copy of the decision to the representa­
tives has been made submitting them to a vote.
A rt. 547. The vote shall be taken at the same meeting, after discussion, by

the secretary, who shall include with the papers in the case a certificate of the
result of such vote.
A rt. 548. Within six days after the date on which the board has met in banc
the secretary thereof shall engross the awards, noting whether they were
adopted by a majority or a unanimous vote.
A rt. 549. When an award is engrossed the secretary shall obtain the sig­
natures of the representatives, who must sign it even if they voted against the
decision which said award contains, with the understanding that if a few or
several representatives refuse to sign, it shall become effective as if it had been
signed, after certification by the secretary of this fact.
A r t . 550. The awards shall be made according to the truth as it is known,
without the necessity of subjecting it to the rules of evidence, but as the
result of an appraisal of the facts as the members of the board conscientiously
believe them to be.

A rt. 551. Awards must be clear, precise, and in keeping with the complaint
and with the other claims alleged in the case; in them shall be made the
declarations which said claims demand, convicting or acquitting the defendant,
and they shall decide all the disputed points which have been debated.
Art. 552. When the penalty is wages, compensation, damages, etc., the actual
amount shall be fixed or at least there shall be established the bases on which
the settlement must be made.

Only in case neither is possible shall the board defer fixing the amount of
the penalty, and make it effective on the execution of the award.
A rt. 553. The awards shall state:
(1) The place, date, and board that renders them, the names, domiciles, and
occupations of the contending parties and the nature of the case, the names of
their lawyers and attorneys, and the object of the proceedings, expressing
clearly and concisely the claims of the parties;
(2) In separate paragraphs the points of law urged by the parties shall be
appraised, giving the reasons and principles of law or of equity which are
deemed to be in support of the award, and the laws and doctrines which are
considered applicable in the case shall be cited; and
(3) Finally, the analytical points of the award shall be stated.
A rt. 554. If the board considers that either of the parties or both acted in
specified circumstances in bad faith or with manifest recklessness, it may in the
award impose on them a fine of from 5 to 100 pesos.




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75

A similar fine shall be imposed on the attorneys or legal advisers who repre­
sent or accompany the parties before the board.
Art. 555. No recourse lies against the awards made by the boards in banc
or by the groups thereof. However, the parties may hold their members liable
for any liabilities they may incur.
A rt. 556. If the matter before the central or Federal boards has been heard
in conciliation proceedings by the municipal boards or Federal conciliation
boards, the proper central board or Federal board of conciliation and abitration,
as the case may be, upon receiving the record transmitted to it officially, shall
fix a day and an hour for a hearing of the complaint and exceptions, which shall
be held within three days at the latest.
A rt. 557. If either or both parties do not appear at the hearing specified in
the preceding article, the proceedings before the municipal or Federal board
will be introduced. This provision shall apply in every case when the plaintiff
fails to appear. If it is the defendant who is absent and who does not appear
at the hearings provided for in articles 504 and 505, he will be understood to
have admitted the allegations of the complaint unless proofs to the contrary
are submitted.
A rt. 558. Upon the holding of the hearing referred to in the preceding
articles, the board shall, upon the petition of the parties or officially, fix a
day and an hour for holding a hearing on the evidence, at which the parties
may amend the evidence which they submitted to the municipal board or
Federal conciliation board and may present new evidence if they consider it
desirable.
If either of them does not appear and if they have submitted evidence before
the municipal or Federal board, such evidence shall be submitted at the hearing.
The same procedure shall be observed when neither of the parties appears and
when they have submitted evidence to the conciliation board.
Art. 559. The provisions of this chapter are applicable to the boards or
special groups, as the case may be.

C hapter

5.—Precautionary measures

A rt. 560. The chairmen of the central and Federal boards, upon petition of
the party, may order cautionary attachment to be made when the party
demanding it swears that he will present his complaint within 24 hours there­
after, if he submits sufficient evidence to demonstrate the necessity of attach­
ing the property of the person or persons against whom he makes his complaint.
The chairman may, if he deems it necessary, demand security, the amount of
which shall be fixed by him, to guarantee compensation for damages which may
be occasioned to the other party. The owner of the property attached shall
be the legal custodian thereof, without the necessity of accepting said obliga­
tion or swearing that he will discharge it.
A rt. 561. When the claimant considers that the person against whom he
proposes to present his complaint may depart, he may ask the board to place
him under bond.
A rt. 562. For the purposes of the preceding article, the one who demands the
bond must present two witnesses who shall state with certainty the fact upon
which he bases his application, and he shall swear that he will present his
complaint within 24 hours thereafter.
Art. 563. If the statements of the witnesses appear to prove the action which

inspired the request for a bond, in the judgment of the board, the request shall
be granted.
A rt. 564. When a bond is asked on the bringing of the complaint, it shall be
granted without further legal procedure.
A rt. 565. The bond shall guarantee that the defendant will not absent

himself from the place of the controversy without leaving an attorney with
the authority and the necessary funds to answer for the result of the sam?
Chapter 6 .— Third parties

Art. 566. If an attachment is made without regard to the ownership by a
third party of the goods attached, the chairman of the board or the officer ex»
ecuting the attachment who receives the claim of the third party shall ordei
that the proceedings be immediately suspended.




76
A rt.

LABOR LEGISLATION* OP MEXICO

567. When the proceedings are suspended, the third party shall be
summoned to appear, at a fixed time within the following 24 hours, at a hearing
of the interested parties, to furnish such evidence as he may deem necessary.
A rt. 568. At the conclusion of the hearing and without further proceedings
the board shall decide whether the attachment upon the goods, the ownership
of which is disputed, shall be raised. If the attachment has been made by a
delegated authority, he shall transmit the result of the proceedings to the chair­
man of the proper board.
A rt. 569. If the board considers that the evidence offered by the third party
is insufficient, it shall order the proceedings for the execution of the award to
continue.
Chapter 7.—Disputes of economic nature

A rt. 570. Collective disputes due to economic causes, which are related to
the establishment of new working conditions, suspensions of work, or shutdowns
and which because of their special nature can not be settled in accordance
with the terms established in chapter 4 of this part, shall be subject to the pro­
visions of this chapter.
A rt. 571. The board, immediately upon hearing the dispute, shall endeavor
to maintain conditions as they were before the dispute arose, recommending
that no strike or lockout be declared or that work be resumed if either has been
declared, meanwhile making an investigation of the determining causes of the
dispute, the conditions of the industry affected, etc., with the understanding
that the resuming of work does not imply agreement by the parties concerned
to such conditions of work.
A rt. 572. After hearing the parties, the board shall order an investigation
by three experts whom it shall designate, who shall be assisted by two com­
missions, one representing the workers and one the employers, each commis­
sion having the same number of members.
A rt. 573. The experts, exercising the greatest freedom, shall make a com­
plete study of the dispute, its causes, and its attendant circumstances, being
able to make every kind of inspection permitted by law in establishments of
the industry in question, and to gather from all the authorities, technical com­
missions, institutions, and persons such information as may be necessary;
they shall ask the parties, authorities, etc., such questions as they believe to be
necessary to clarify the dispute, the persons questioned being required to
answer them.
A rt. 574. The time within which these investigations must be made shall be
fixed by the board, according to the seriousness and other circumstances of the
dispute, but it shall not exceed 30 days.
Art. 575. Upon the termination of their investigation, the experts shall
immediately prepare a report in which they shall state the result obtained
and an opinion relative to the manner in which, according to their judgment,
the dispute can be settled and its repetition prevented.
The report and the opinion of the experts shall be submitted to the parties
within 72 hours, in order that they may formulate any objections they may
have, and if they make any, a day and an hour shall be set for the hearing of
evidence. The object of this hearing shall be to obtain new information, or to
destroy the value assigned by the experts to some of that stated in their
report.
A rt. 576. If the parties make no objection, or after holding the hearing
referred to in the preceding article, the board shall deliver a decision to end
the dispute, basing it on the report and opinion rendered by the experts and on
the objections and evidence presented by the parties. The decision rendered
in accordance with these terms shall have the same character and the same
legal effects as an award. The boards in their decisions may increase or reduce
the personnel or the daily or weekly hours of work, modify wages, and in
general change working conditions in accordance with the results which they
arrive at in the proceedings without in any case violating the provisions of
this law.
Art. 577. If the parties object to the opinion of the experts and offer in
evidence other experts, the employers shall be required to submit to the
experts designated by the parties such books and documents as may be re­
quested by them and which concern the economic condition of the business.
A rt. 578, These books and documents shall be submitted on the day of the
hearing, together with the opinions of the experts, who, in the presence of the
board, shall discuss them between themselves. The board shall require the



PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

77

experts on both sides to state their points of view clearly and mafc ask them
such questions as they deem proper.
Art. 579. Disputes which arise by reason of the provisions in article 116,
paragraphs 1 to 6 and 8, article 126, paragraphs 4, 5, 8, and 12, and articles
128 and 278 shall be subject in every case to the procedure described in the pre­
ceding articles. •
Art. 580. Briefs or personal appearances of employers under the provisions
of article 118 shall be accompanied b y:
(1) All public or private documents tending to disclose the condition of the
business or the necessity of suspending i t ;
(2) A list of their workers, together with their names, length of service,
occupation, wage, and persons dependent upon them;
(3) A statement showing the taxes paid, the original and actual capital
of the business, losses suffered, properties, disbursements, receipts, inventories;
and
(4) An opinion by an expert accountant relative to the condition of the
business.
A rt. 581. In urgent cases and in view of the accompanying documents, the
board, under the strictest liability, may, when requested by the parties, decree
the suspension of work or the closing of the business concerned, a readjust­
ment of hours and wages, a modification of working hours, etc., security being
given sufficient to cover the wages of the personnel affected for a period of
at least three months.
Such authorization is understood to be provisional pending decision of the
board making it final, and with the understanding that if the sense of the
decision of the board is not to authorize the suspension or the closing solicited*
the employers shall be required to pay the wages during the time the pro­
visional suspension decreed by the board was in effect.
A rt. 582. The board, on deciding this matter and taking into account the
condition of the business, may take the provisional measures referred to in
article 581.
A rt. 583. The hearing of this matter shall be without prejudice to the pro­
cedure established in this chapter for this kind of disputes.

Chapter

8.— Execution of awards

Art. 584. Chairmen of the central and Federal boards are required to
provide for the efficient and immediate execution of awards, and to that end
shall take the necessary steps in the manner and terms which in their judg­
ment may be proper without violating the rules established in this chapter.
Art. 585. All the provisions contained in this chapter concerning the execu­
tion of awards are applicable to settlements relating to the work, provided they
are executed in proceedings before the boards or in agreements ratified before
the same by the interested parties, in accordance with the provision in article 98.
Art. 586. If when an award is rendered the parties are present, the chairman
shall question them concerning the manner which each one proposes for its
execution and shall endeavor, within a period not to exceed 72 hours, to
bring about an agreement concerning compliance with the same, after which
time, if no agreement is reached, the execution proceedings shall be continued
in their entirety.
A rt. 587. The losing party may offer the bond of a reliable person to guarantee
the payment. The chairman, after hearing the party in whose favor the award
was rendered, shall pass on the bond according to his own good judgment, and,
if it is acceptable, may grant a period not to exceed eight days for compliance
with said award and even a longer period if the creditor agrees thereto. If the
said period expires without the losing party having complied with the award,
summary action may be brought at the election of the winning party against the
said debtor, or against his bondsman, who shall not enjoy any benefit.
A rt. 588. When the execution of an award is requested, the attaching officer,
together with the party in whose favor the awrard was rendered, and [in com­
pliance] with the writ of attachment, shall demand payment from the debtor,
and if payment is not made immediately, shall attach enough property to o v e r
the amount claimed and expenses, placing the same under legal custody.
Art. 589. The attachment may be on any kind of property, with the following
exceptions:
131843°—32------ 6




78

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(1) That belonging to the homestead if its use is indispensable;
(2) Instruments, tools, and draft animals, as well as the proper objects
for the development of the industrial business, in so far as they may be nec­
essary for its service and operation;
(3) Family inheritance;
(4) Arms and horses of soldiers in the service, provided they are necessary
for this service, under the laws relative thereto;
(5) Crops before the harvest;
(6) The right of usufruct; but not the products of the same;
(7) Rights of use and habitation; and
(8) Servitudes, unless the property in whose favor they may be created
is attached; but the servitudes of waters can be attached when they are actually
on the dominant property.
Art. 590. The selection of the property to be attached shall be made by the
executor, that being preferred which is the most easily salable and taking into
account the statements of the parties.
A rt. 591. Attachment shall be made even in case the losing party is not
present. The proceedings in that case shall be concluded with whoever is
found at the house, office, workshop, factory, establishment, or place indi­
cated for notifying him, and if no one is found therein, with a neighbor and
the nearest policeman. In case of violent opposition, use shall be made of the
police. In a duly proved case of necessity and after a special and written
order from the chairman, the locks of the house or premises where the execu­
tion is to be carried into effect may be broken. The attaching officer, under
his liability, can attach only sufficient property to cover the amount claimed
and expenses.
A rt. 592. All expenses incurred in connection with the execution of the
award shall be borne by the losing party.
A rt. 593. The chairman of the board who receives letters rogatory or official

communications with the necessary insertions, according to law, for the exe­
cution of an award or other decision, shall comply with the instructions of
the requesting board or authority, provided the execution thereof is not con­
trary to the law and regulations in force.
A rt. 594. The chairman making the attachment shall not hear nor take cog­
nizance of exceptions when they are opposed by one of the parties in the case
before the requesting board or authority.
A rt. 595. When, on executing the award inserted in the letters rogatory, a
third party not previously heard by the requesting board presents a claim on
his own behalf, if the said third party gives a bond guaranteeing the amount
fixed in the award, the execution shall not be carried into effect, and the letters
rogatory shall be returned with the insertion of the judicial decree so providing.
A rt. 596. When the award rendered by a board is to be executed by that
of another State or Territory, letters rogatory or an official communication,
with the necessary insertions, shall be forwarded thereto.
A rt. 597. When the attachment is to be levied on property which is not to
be found in the locality where the proceedings are being carried on, the attach­
ing officer shall go to the place where the party who obtained the award says
it is to be found, and after its proper identification, attachment may be levied
on the same.
A rt. 598. Attached properties shall be placed under the custody of the person
designated by the party in whose favor the award was rendered, under his
liability with the exception contained in the following article. The custodian
shall be required to inform the chairman of the board regarding the place where
the attached property will remain under his custody.
A rt. 599. The execution can not be decreed except where the payment of a
liquidated amount has been awarded, it being understood that such exists when
the amount of the liquidation may be derived from the award itself, even though
the amount may not be set forth numerically.
A rt. 600. In case the award requires a certain thing to be done, if the party
so required does not comply therewith, for the execution of the award, within
the period designated for that purpose, either the required act shall be done
at his expense, if that be possible, or he shall be compelled to compensate for
the damages resulting from the nonexecution of the award, at the election of
the creditor.
Art. 601. If the employer refuses to submit his differences to arbitration
or to accept the award handed down by the board, the latter shall:




PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

79

1. Terminate the labor contract;
2. Decree that the worker be compensated with three months’ wages;
3. Proceed to determine the employers’ liability as a result of the dispute.
A rt. 602. The liability, as a result of the dispute, shall be as follows: When
the contract is for a definite period of time not exceeding one year, an amount
equal to the wages earned during one-half of the time during which services
have been rendered; if the contract is for a definite period of time exceed­
ing one year, an amount equal to the sum of six months’ wages during the first
year and 20 days’ wages during each of the following years during which
services may have been rendered. If the contract is for an indefinite period of
time, the liability shall consist of 20 days’ wages for each of the years of
service.
In fixing the wages of the worker, the bonuses, shares in the profits, and
economic advantages stipulated in his favor shall be computed.
The compensation shall not exceed, in any of the cases set forth in this
article, that to which the worker would be entitled in case of death due to an
industrial accident.
A bt. 603. If the award decrees that a certain thing shall not be done and
the party violates it, the creditor shall have his option of requesting either that
he restore the things to their original state, if that be possible, at the expense
of the debtor, or that he be compensated for the losses suffered.
A rt. 604. When the award orders that an agreement or public instrument
be signed, on the expiration of the time granted for this purpose, if either of
the parties refused to sign it, the chairman of the board shall proceed to sign
the agreement or to authorize the public instrument.
A rt. 605. When the award imposes the obligation of surrendering something,
the proper order shall be issued for the purpose of dispossessing the obligated
party of the same, and in case this can not be done, he shall be compelled to
pay its value, after an appraisal has been made, together with any damages
which may have been caused.
A rt. 606. In cases where the attachment is to be levied on wages, the pro­
visions of article 95 shall be observed.
A rt. 607. If the property subject to attachment consists of currency or credits
which are immediately realizable, payment shall be made at once to the creditor
in pursuance of the terms of the award.
A rt. 608. If the attached property is chattels, when the sale thereof at public
auction has been ordered, an appraisal thereof shall be made by the person
designated by the chairman of the board who ordered the execution.
A rt. 609. After its appraisal, the property shall be auctioned, the price to
be the appraised value, and the sale to take place at the location of the proper
board.

Abt. 610. For the purposes of the preceding article, a day and hour shall
be set for the auction, which shall be conducted in accordance with the pro­
visions of article 633. The said sale shall be announced on the bulletin board
of the board and on that of the municipal building of the town where the
board has its domicile.
A rt. 611. If there are no purchasers, the creditor may request that further
auctions be held, with a deduction of 20 per cent at each new auction, or else
that the attached properties be adjudicated to him at the price which served
as the base at the last auction held.
A rt. 612. Adjudication shall be carried out in the following manner:

(1) If the appraised value is less than the amount of the credit, the prop­
erty shall be adjudicated, the creditor being left free to request the extension
of the attachment to cover the unpaid amount; and
(2) If it is greater, the creditor is required to present in cash, at the time
of the proceedings, the amount of the surplus which remains in favor of the
debtor. The presenting of the surplus is an indispensable prerequisite in order
that the adjudication may be decreed.
A rt. 613. When the execution concerns rentals and credits that have not
yet become due, the debtor or whoever must pay them shall be notified not to
make payment of same but to deliver the amount to the board, with the warn­
ing that double payment shall be exacted in case of disobedience.
Any fraud or malicious act tending to prevent the effectiveness of the at­
tachment, such as making payment in advance, shall make the person notified
personally and directly responsible, and consequently he shall be required to




80

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

pay the amount fixed by the award, with the understanding that he may in
turn exact it from the defendant.
A bt. 614. If attachment is made of the said certificate of credit, a custodian
shall be appointed to keep said document in his custody; the custodian shall
be required to do everything necessary in order that the right which the
certificate represents may not be altered nor impaired, and to institute all
actions and recourses granted by law for the collection of the credit, and shall r
moreover, be subject to the provisions of the general laws.
Abt . 615. If the credit to which the preceding articles refer is in litigation,
the authorities in the said litigation shall be duly notified through the legal
channels, of the decree ordering the attachment and informed of the custodian
appointed, in order that the latter may perform, without any hindrances, all
the duties imposed upon him in the latter part of the preceding article.
A bt. 616. He who attaches a credit may either act in accordance with the
provisions of article 613, or request its sale at auction, which shall be conducted
in accordance with the terms established for the auction of chattels.
Abt. 617. If the attached properties are livestock, they shall be auctioned
according to the terms provided for the sale of chattels.
A bt. 618. If the attachment concerns real property, its recording in the
public registry of real property shall be sufficient. For this purpose the said
attachment shall be officially communicated within the following 24 hours
to the director of the proper registry. The registration to which this article
refers shall be free of charge.
A bt. 619. If the attachment is levied upon urban property and its rentals,
or on the latter alone, the custodian shall have the character of an adminis­
trator, with the following powers and duties:
(1) He may contract for leases, on the basis of rentals not smaller than
those which the property, or the section thereof which may have been rented
yielded at the time of the attachment; and for this purpose, if he is unaware
of what the rental was at that time, he shall communicate with the chairman of
the board, in order that he may secure the necessary information from the tax
office. In order to secure the lease, he shall, on his own responsibility require
the usual guaranties; if he does not want to assume liability, he shall secure
judicial authorization;
(2) He shall collect the rentals which the property yields on account of
leases, according to their terms and dates of payment; and, if the case so
require, may proceed against delinquent tenants in accordance with the law;
(3) He shall pay, without previous authorization, the ordinary expenses of
the property, such as the payment of taxes and those payments necessary for its
bare upkeep, service, and cleanliness, when the amount of same is not excessive;
such expenses shall be included by him in the monthly account hereafter
mentioned;
(4) He shall submit, in due time, to the tax office the statements for which
the law on the subject provides, and in case of failure on his part to do so, he
shall be responsible for the damages which may be occasioned through his
omission;
(5) For the purpose of making disbursements for repairs or for construc­
tion, he shall apply to the board for the necessary permission, and for that
purpose shall attach the estimate therefor; and
(6) He shall pay after authorization of the board, the interest and ac­
knowledged encumbrances on the property.
A bt. 620. After the authorization referred to in paragraph 5 of the pre­
ceding article has been applied for, the chairman of the board shall order a
hearing, to be held within 3 days, so that the parties, in view of the docu­
ments submitted, may agree whether or not the expense should be authorized.
If no agreement is reached, on the request of the custodian or of one of the
parties the matter shall be heard.
A bt. 621. If the attachment concerns rural property or a commercial or in­
dustrial business, the custodian shall be a mere auditor in charge of the funds,
intrusted with the inspection of books and accounts; he shall inspect the
management of the said business or rural property, as the case may be, and
the operations being carried on in them, in order that they may yield the
greatest possible income; he shall likewise supervise the sale of its products
and the collection of the proceeds, furnishing the funds in connection with the
necessary and ordinary expenses of the business or rural property, as the
case may be, in which the personal expenses of the debtor with the exception




PART 9.----PROCEDURE BEFORE BOARDS

81

of food supplies granted him by judicial decree, shall never be included, and
the custodian shall see that the funds administered are appropriately invested.
A rt. 622. The custodian designated in the case of the preceding article shall
give bond to the board for his management in the sum specified by the latter,
and shall periodically render an account of his management on the dates and
according to the terms fixed by the board.

Art. 623. If, in the discharge of the duties which the preceding article im­
poses upon him, the auditor should discover that the administration is not
being conducted properly or that it may be detrimental to the rights of the
party who applied for and obtained the attachment, he shall report it to the
knowledge of the chairman of the board, in order that the latter, after hearing
the parties and the auditor, may determine what is most suitable.
A rt. 624. When the proceedings mentioned in the preceding articles have
been complied with, the board shall order that the attached properties be
auctioned and set a date for the sale.
Art. 625. For the auction sale of real property, the fiscal appraisal of the
same for the payment of taxes shall serve as a sufficient valuation.
A r t . 626. The chairman of the board shall secure, at the expense of the in­
terested party, a certificate from the public registry of real property regarding
the encumbrances on the attached properties, with the understanding that the
said certificate must cover the last 20 years; but if there should be another
certificate in the record, the registry shall only be asked relative to the
period from the date of that certificate up to the date on which the sale is
decreed.
A r t . 627. The auction of real property shall be announced on the bulletin
board of the board in question and in two newspapers, one of which shall
be the official paper of the respective entity and the other one that of the
locality wherein the properties are situated, for one time only; in case there
are no newspapers published in the locality, the same shall be made in any
of those having the largest circulation in the State or Territory in the judg­
ment of the chairman, it being compulsory in this case, moreover, to announce
the auction in the places designated for official publications in the locality
wherein the property is found.
In auctions conducted by the central board of the Federal District, one
of the publications shall be in the Boletin Judicial.
A r t . 628. On the day set for the auction, the bidders present on the occasion
shall be listed.

A r t . 629. A legal bid is that which c o v e r s two-thirds of the appraised value.
When due to the amount of the appraised value, the cash part is not sufficient
to cover the credit and expenses, two-thirds o f the appraised value in cash
shall be considered a legal bid.

630. Bids shall be in writing and shall contain:
(1) The name, age, legal capacity, civil status, occupation, nationality, and
residence of the bidder and of the surety;
(2) The amount offered for the real property; and
(3) The amount to be paid in cash and the manner of payment of the
balance.
A r t . 631. The bids shall be guaranteed by sureties who, in the opinion of
the board, are solvent or their amounts shall be presented in cash at the
time of the auction. If the bidder whose bid at the auction is accepted
presents the amount of the bid in cash before the close of the proceedings,
the chairman shall order that it be deposited and that the deposit slip be
attached to the record.
A rt.

A rt. 632. When the creditor desires to make a bid, the certificate of guaranty
or the presenting of cash, as the case may be, shall be limited to the amount
o f the bid in excess of that o f the credit on the date o f the auction.
A r t . 633. After an examination of the bids, the chairman of the board shall,
with the hammer, open the auction sale. The sale shall be made to the highest
bidder.
A r t . 634. The chairman of the board shall decide any question that may
arise in connection with the auction.

A rt. 635. When a sale of the property or properties auctioned has been
declared, the purchaser shall be given possession of same within three days
and deed thereof shall be executed in his favor.
A r t . 636. If the debtor refuses to execute the deed, on his default the chair­
man of the board shall execute it.




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LABOR LEGISLATION OP MEXICO

A bt. 637. When the deed has been executed and the price deposited, the
board shall designate the person who is to place the purchaser in possession
of the property auctioned and shall also give judicial notice to the owners of
contiguous properties, lessees, and other interested parties.
Abt. 638. With the price obtained, up to where it balances, the creditor shall
be paid and also the expenses which have been approved, the amount estimated
as necessary to cover them being kept on deposit in the meantime.
A bt. 639. If the price deposited is notoriously less than the amount of the
principal sum and the expenses of the execution, it shall be delivered to the
claimant on the day on which the deposit is made.
A bt. 640. If the cash price is in excess of the amount of the principal and

the expenses, after settlement of the same the balance shall be turned over to
the debtor.
A bt. 641. If during the first auction proceedings there is no legal bid, a
second and further ones if necessary shall be called within 5 days until the
auction sale can be legally held. At each one of the auctions the price which
served as the base in the preceding sale shall be reduced 20 per cent.
A bt. 642. The creditor in whose favor the matter has been adjudicated shall
acknowledge to other mortgagees their credits in order to pay them when they
become due, and shall pay to the debtor, in cash, whatever remains in excess
of the price, after the said payments have been made.
A bt. 643. At any time after the holding of the auction, provided there have

been no bidders, the creditor may request the adjudication of the attached
properties at their appraised value as of that date, paying in cash the excess
over his credit and the expenses if there are any.
A bt. 644. A reattachment affects the balance left from the price received at
the auction after payment has been made to the one who had the first attach­
ment levied, except in the case of preferential rights.
A bt. 645. He who has reattached can continue the execution of the award

or agreement; but when the property has been auctioned, the one benefiting
from a first attachment shall preferentially be paid the amount of his claim.
A bt. 646. The creditor may request the extension of the attachment:
(1) When, in the opinion of the board, the attached property is not sufficient
to cover the indebtedness and the expenses;

(2) When sufficient properties are not attached because the debtor does not
possess them and afterwards they appear or are acquired; and
(3) In cases of third-party suits.
A bt. 647. All the acts of the executor shall be reviewable officially or at the
request of one of the parties by the board, which may revoke or alter them,
as it sees fit.
A bt. 648. A third party who considers that his rights are prejudiced by the

execution of the award may come before the board and present any evidence
he may have, and the said body, in an immediate hearing of the parties, shall
decide whether the attachment is to remain or not, or if the alleged rights are
preferential. In the latter instance, they shall proceed in accordance with
article 644.

Part 10.—Liabilities
Abt. 649. The central boards, the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitra­
tion, and the chief of the department of labor under the Secretary of Industry,.
Commerce, and Labor become liable when they refuse, without justifiable cause,,
to receive a collective contract [executed in accordance with the] provisions
of article 45, or to register work rules of any union. In these cases a fine of
from 100 to 500 pesos shall be imposed on each one of those responsible. In
case of repetition, the responsible party shall be dismissed from office.
A bt. 650. The chairman of the board incurs liability:
(1) When he hears a case for which he is disqualified under the law;
(2) When he favors directly or indirectly any of the parties in a case before
the board, drawing up their petitions or briefs or advises them;
(3) When he renders a decision that is notoriously unjust;
(4) When he does not decide on the execution of the awards in due time;
(5) When, after a writ of prohibition linhiMtorio] has been filed, he pays no
attention to same and continues the proceeding;
(6) When he improperly retains in his possession the papers in the case, or
delays the execution or issuance of the award; and
(7) When he receives directly or indirectly any gift from the parties in a
dispute.




PART 10.----LIABILITIES

Abt. 651.

83

The representatives of capital and of labor incur liability:
(1) When they assist, favor, or advise a person having a dispute pending
before a special group other than the one of which they are members;
(2) When they prosecute a case before another special board, unless it is on
behalf of themselves or their wives or children;
(3) When they fail to appear, without justifiable cause, at the hearings held
by the board of which they form a part;
(4) When they refuse to vote in connection with any decree or decision in the
case pending;
(5) When they refuse to sign a ruling or award which has been already
voted;
(6) When they take out of the office the papers in a case without giving a
receipt for same to the secretary;
(7) When after the time granted to them for the study of the papers in a
case has elapsed, they refuse to return them when requested to do so by the
secretary of the board;
(8) When they take from the file of papers in a case some record that is
therein or alter the contents of the record of the proceedings after it has been
signed by the parties, or delete or destroy wholly or in part the pages of a
record on file; and
(9) Whenever they are included in any of the cases mentioned in the
preceding article, with the exception of the one set forth in paragraph 4.
A rt. 652. The assistants of the chairman incur liability:
(1) When they do not in due time inform the chairman of the irregular or
criminal conduct of any of the representatives of capital and of labor on the
board to which they are attached;
(2) When without any grounds they refuse to accept any evidence submitted
by the parties, provided it is proved that the said evidence was necessary for
the clearing up of the facts;
(3) When in writing up the records of the proceedings they substantially
and deceitfully alter the declarations of the parties, the statements of the
witnesses, experts, and other persons who appear before the board;
(4) Whenever they incur any of the liabilities mentioned in paragraphs
1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 [of article 650] relating to the chairman of the board; and
(5) When they do not comply with the obligations to which reference is
made in articles 535 and 536.
Art. 653. The secretaries incur liability:
(1) When they do not engross the awards within the period of time specified
in this law for such purpose;
(2) When they do not inform the chairman of the board in due time of the
refusal of the representatives to sign an agreement or an award;
(3) When they deliver the papers in a case to any representative of capital
or of labor for its study without obtaining the proper receipt;
(4) When they certify to false statements;
(5) When they engross awards in terms other than those agreed upon at the
time of the voting;
(6) When they incur the liabilities referred to in paragraphs 2, 6, and 7 of
the article relating to the liability of the chairman of the board; and
(7) When they do not comply with the obligations imposed upon them in
articles 541, 543, 545, 547, 548, and 549.
A rt. 654. The notifiers incur liability:
(1) When they do not make sure that the place where the notice or notices
are to be served is one of the places designated by law ;
(2) When they do not notify the parties in due time, unless they have a
justifiable cause;
(3) When they record false statements in the records drawn up in the
exercise of their functions; and
(4) When they incur any of the liabilities mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 7
of the article relating to the liabilities of the chairman.
Art. 655. Members of the minimum wage commissions incur liability:
(1) When they do not within the period of time stipulated in this law fix
the amount of the minimum wage; and
(2) When the decision that fixes the amount of the minimum wage is
notoriously unjust.
A rt. 656. Labor inspectors incur liability:
(1) When they insert false statements in the reports made by them;




84

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(2) When they do not note in the report the irregularities they have ob­
served in the work places visited;
(3) When they accept gifts from the employers or from the workers in the
zone under their supervision;
(4) When they divulge secrets of manufacture or operation acquired by
them through the performance of their duties;
(5) When they do not forward within five days the reports of the visits
o f inspection made by them to the authority over them or to the board of
conciliation and arbitration in the case of article 216;
(6) When they overstep their authority in the performance of their duties;
and
(7) When they do not visit regularly and in accordance with the terms
of the regulations the work places in the zone under their supervision.
A rt. 657. The alternate of a representative of capital or labor will not be
allowed to prosecute a case before any of the groups of the board in which
the latter is acting. Neither will the representative when absent with per­
mission be able to do so when his alternate is acting.
A rt. 658. The representatives of capital, labor, or the Government will
necessarily be prevented from hearing cases in which their associates or
employees in their private offices intervene if they are engaged in the practice
of the law or act as business agents.
A rt. 659. The cases of liability to which reference is made in paragraphs
1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 of article 650 shall constitute cause for dismissal of the
chairman of the board. In other cases to which reference is made in the same
article a fine not in excess of 500 pesos will be imposed upon him, according
to the circumstances involved.
A rt. 660. The penalty imposed upon the representatives of capital or labor
may be either that of suspension from office up to one month’s time without
pay, or dismissal, with the understanding that any representative who may
have twice suffered the penalty of suspension shall be discharged from office
when the third accusation presented against him has been declared well
founded.
A rt. 661. The fact of the representative or his alternate prosecuting a case
before the board when the alternate or the representative, respectively, is
acting, shall be a cause for dismissal.
A rt. 662. When a representative is suspended or discharged, his alternate
shall at once be called.

A rt. 663. If the penalty of dismissal is imposed on an acting alternate, the
governor of the State or Territory or the chief of the Department of the
Federal District, or the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, as the
case may be, shall designate a substitute representative pending the designation
of the new representative and alternate by the groups which must elect them.
The same procedure shall be followed in case the dismissal is decreed when
the alternate has not been appointed and when the penalty imposed is that of
suspension and there is no alternate or representative designated.
A rt. 664. Assistants shall be dismissed in the cases specified in article 659
and secretaries shall be dismissed when they incur the liabilities referred to
in paragraphs 2 and 7 of article 650, paragraph 3 of article 652, and paragraph
4 of article 653. All other liabilities shall be punished with a fine not to
exceed the sum of 15 days’ wages. Notifiers may be dismissed only in the cases
specified in paragraph 7 of article 650 and paragraph 3 of article 654. In
the cases to which reference is made in paragraph 2 of article 650 and para­
graphs 1 and 2 of article 654 a fine shall be imposed upon them according
to the terms fixed for secretaries and assistants.
A rt. 665. A fine not to exceed 500 pesos shall be imposed on the members of
the special minimum wage commissions in cases of liability.
A rt. 666. Inspectors who incur liability shall be punished, according to the
seriousness of the offense, with dismissal, with a fine not to exceed 100 pesos,
or a suspension without pay of not more than one month.
A rt. 667. A jury on liabilities shall hear all complaints which may be pre­
sented against the acts of the representatives of capital or labor in the exercise
o f their functions, the said jury to be constituted in the following manner:

(1)
For hearing cases of liabilities which may be incurred by representatives
of capital and labor on the central boards of conciliation and arbitration, the
jury shall be composed of a representative of the executive of the correspond­




PART 11----PENALTIES

85

ing Federal entity or of the chief of the Department of the Federal District
and one representative of capital and one of labor.
(2)
For hearing cases of liabilities which may be incurred by representa­
tives of capital or labor on the Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration,
the jury shall be composed of one representative of the Secretary of Industry,
Commerce, and Labor, and one representative of capital and another of labor.
Each representative of capital or labor referred to in this article shall have
an alternate. Both shall be appointed at the conventions referred to in
article 367.
A rt. 668. Complaints against representatives of capital or labor shall be ad­
dressed to the chairman of the proper Federal or central board.
A rt. 669. Upon receipt of a complaint a hearing of the jury shall at once be
called and the said jury, assisted by a secretary, shall hear the accused, who
may name legal counsel, and after receiving the evidence which the jury may
deem proper and that which the accused may submit, shaU render a verdict, by
a majority vote, imposing the proper penalty or disciplinary action. The jury
may impose a fine not to exceed 500 pesos on the accuser or plaintiff who sub­
mits a notoriously unjust or impertinent accusation.
A rt. 670. The penalties which may be imposed on chairmen of the central
and Federal boards of conciliation and arbitration, on members of the minimum
wage commission, and on labor inspectors, shall be applied by the executives
of the States or Territories, by the chief of the Department of the Federal
District, or by the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, as the case
may be. The penalties which may be imposed on assistants of the chairman,
on secretaries and other employees and inferior officers of the boards, shall
be applied by the chairmen of the said boards.
Art. 671. Any person who considers that the officers or employees referred
to in the preceding article have incurred liability shall apply to the authority
who under the said article is competent to impose the proper penalty, reporting
the facts and submitting evidence thereon. The case shaU be decided on the
complaint and the evidence, after hearing the officer or employee involved.
A rt. 672. The penalties referred to in this part shall be imposed without
prejudice to the penal liability which may be incurred by the said officer or
employee.

Part 11.—Penalties
A rt. 673. Penalties fixed in this part shall apply without prejudice to other
Uabilities which this law establishes in cases of failure to comply with its
provisions.
A rt. 674. Failure to comply with the regulations pertaining to remuneration
for labor, duration of the hours of work and rest, contained in a collective
labor contract, the observance of which is declared compulsory in a certain
region, shaU be punished by a fine of from 50 to 5,000 pesos, taking into account
the economic benefit which the employer may derive from the violation. The
penalty shall be imposed for failure to comply with the said regulations,
committed at any time within one*week.
In the case of offenses committed in two or more weeks, the respective fines
shall be cumulated. Repetition of offenses shall be punished with the same
fine, plus one-fourth of its amount. For the purposes of the present article
members of the administrative council shall be considered as partners and the
administrators or managers of mercantile corporations as employers.
A rt. 675. The employer who does not observe the legal regulations concern­
ing hygiene in the installation of his establishment or does not adopt adequate
measures for the prevention of accidents in the use of machines, tools, and
work materials as provided by the laws, regulations, and governmental require­
ments, shall be fined up to 1,000 pesos, to be increased up to 2,000 pesos in
case said provisions are not complied with within the time granted the employer
by the proper labor authority.
A rt. 676. The employer shall be fined up to the sum of 500 pesos:
(1) When he compels women, during the three months before childbirth, to
perform certain tasks that require considerable physical force or refuses to
grant them the rest period granted them by article 79;
(2) When he requires women and minors under 16 years of age to perform
unhealthful tasks or industrial night work;
(3) When he violates the prohibition in article 12;




86

LABOR LEGISLATION OF MEXICO

(4) When on being requested to furnish data on home work, in cases where
he utilizes said system of service, he gives false data; and
(5) When, in agricultural work, he does not comply with the obligations
imposed upon him by paragraphs 1 and 2 of article 197.
A rt. 677. A line of from 20 to 100 pesos shall be imposed upon an employer
when he compels workers to work a longer working-day than that authorized
by this law. The same penalty shall be imposed on an employer who does
not allow his workers the compulsory weekly rest days and vacations; to one
who employs children under 12 years of age; and to the employer who does not
obey the prohibitions contained in paragraph 7 of article 112 or comply with
the obligations imposed upon him by articles 9, 111, paragraphs 1, 8, 10, and
17, articles 159, 175, 197, paragraphs 4 and 5, and articles 201, 202, 203, and 204.
A rt. 678. A finp of from 10 to 50 pesos shall be imposed on an employer who
fails to comply with the obligations imposed upon him by paragraphs 11, 15,
18, 19, 20, and 21 of article 111 or violates the prohibition contained in para­
graphs 3, 4, and 6 of article 112. The same penalty shall be imposed upon him
when he does not issue the certificates or references referred to in articles 28
and 111, paragraph 14, or when he does not grant his domestic servants an
opportunity to attend night schools, or when he fails to comply with articles
215 and 217.
A rt. 679. The penalty specified in the preceding article shall be imposed
on unions and federations of unions which do not comply with the obligations
imposed upon them, respectively, in articles 248 and 249, paragraphs 2 and 3,
and the last part of article 255.
A rt. 680. A fine of up to 2,000 pesos shall be imposed upon an employer who
puts into effect a lockout under the conditions specified in article 281.
A rt. 681. A fine of 50 pesos, which may be increased up to 200 pesos, shall be
imposed on the employer who violates the work rules.
A rt. 682. A fine of from 20 to 50 pesos shall be imposed on the employer who
refuses to sign a labor contract already agreed upon, in the cases referred to
in article 31.
A rt. 683. Violations that are not specified in this chapter and to which no
special penalty is attached shall be punished with fines of from 5 to 100 pesos,
according to the seriousness of the offense. The amount of the fines shall be
collected by the general treasuries of the States, the Territories, and the
Federal District; fines which are imposed by the office of the Secretary of
Industry, Commerce and Labor shall be collected by the General Treasury of
the Nation.
A r t . 684. Penalties referred to in the preceding articles shall be imposed by
the governors of the States or Territories, the chief of the Department of the
Federal District, or the Secretary of Industry, Commerce, and Labor, within
their respective jurisdictions.
A rt. 685. No penalty can be imposed without sufficient information having
been previously gathered and without hearing the interested party, to whom
every facility for the presentation of his defense shall be given.

Transitory

A rticle.

1. This law shall be in force from the date of its promulgation.

A rt. 2. A period of six months from the date of promulgation of this law
shall be granted to enterprises so that they can comply with the provisions
contained in articles 9,10, and the last part of 175.

A rt. 3. A period of six months from the date of the promulgation of this
law is granted to the parties interested in labor contracts previously entered
into, in order that they may make them in writing in accordance with the
terms of article 23.
A rt. 4. Collective labor contracts entered into prior to the enforcement of
this law will be revised on the petition of any of the contracting parties, pro­
vided the revision is requested within 60 days after the date of the promulgation
of this law. The provisions of article 56 shall be observed in the revision pro­
ceedings. When the period of 60 days referred to in this article has elapsed,
the contract may be revised only upon the termination of the contract if it
was made for a definite time, or after it has been in force for two years if it was
for an indefinite time.
A rt. 5. The period of one and two years established in article 82 as a pre­
requisite to the right of workers to enjoy vacations shall be computed from
the date on which they began to render their services.



PABT 11.----PENALTIES

87

Abt. 6. The provisions of this law concerning the organization and regis­
tration of labor unions and employers’ associations shall become effective
immediately; but unions which are already in existence shall be given a
period of six months, computed from the date of the promulgation of this
law, to comply with the provisions relating thereto.
Abt. 7. Prescription periods shall begin to run from the day following the
date of the promulgation of this law.

Abt. 8. Claims, differences, or disputes which are awaiting decisions shall be
settled in accordance with the provisions of this law.
A bt. 9. Authorities who may be hearing matters relating to the labor law
and those who are not competent to render a decision in connection there­
with, in conformity with the provisions of this law, shall suspend their pro­
ceedings summarily and forward the record to the authority who is compe­
tent to hear the case, who shall decide it, applying the laws that were in effect
at the time the complaint was filed, with the exception of that relating to
procedure, regarding which the provisions of this law shall be observed.
A bt. 10. Jurisdictional questions which may arise regarding the application
of the preceding article shall be decided in accordance with the provisions of
this law.

A rt. 11. The governors of the States wherein boards of conciliation and
arbitration are not already organized shall proceed to establish them in ac­
cordance with this law, in order that they may start functioning within the
period of four months from the date of its promulgation.
A rt. 12. The Federal Board of Conciliation and Arbitration that may be
functioning at the present time and the boards that may be organized ac­
cording to the terms of the preceding article shall continue to function until
those which may be elected in the year 1932, in conformity with the provi­
sions of this law, may be duly organized. The central boards of conciliation
and arbitration functioning at the present time shall be replaced within
the period provided by their regulations in force at the time this law goes into
effect, and those newly constituted shall function until those that will be
elected in the year 1932 in accordance with this law are organized.
A rt. 13. The regulations, individual and collective labor contracts, and any
other agreements which may establish rights, benefits, or privileges in favor
of the workers less than those granted them by this law shall not have any
legal effect, and shall be understood to be superseded by those established by
this law.

Regulations, individual and collective labor contracts, and any other exist­
ing agreements which may establish greater rights, benefits, or privileges for
the workers than those established by this law shall, however, remain in full
force, and the clauses establishing them may not be modified except by means
of revision of the contracts containing them, whether it be by mutual agree­
ment of the parties or by decision of the competent labor authorities, in the
case of dispute, rendered in the terms of article 576.
A rt. 14. All laws and decrees previously issued by the State legislatures
on labor matters and those issued by the Congress of the Union in so far as
they are contrary to this law, are hereby repealed.