Last September, the Senate of the Republic approved the initiative to amend article 170 of the federal labor act, with the purpose of extending the maternity leave period, in accordance with agreement C-183 of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

This initiative aims to guarantee and improve the conditions and rights of working mothers.

Amendments are the following:

I. Working Mexican mothers may have 14 weeks of maternity leave, seven weeks before and seven weeks after labor.

II. Pregnant workers may transfer up to five of the seven weeks of maternity leave prior to delivery to until after the birth of the child, provided the attending doctor authorizes.

III. If children are born with any type of disability and are in need of hospital medical attention, the maternity leave may be up to 14 weeks after birth, provided a medical certificate evidencing the disability is submitted.

However, the Mexican Social Security Institute warned of the budgetary burden four thousand 892 million pesos may represent, therefore legislators emphasize the fact that the amendments are in compliance with international standards and parameters, taking into account the application thereof shall be in an orderly manner and without the need for special amendments that could affect the interest of working mothers.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need any clarification in this regard.