How to write internal work rules in Mexico: content and steps

The internal work rules (“reglamento interior de trabajo”) bring together the rules that apply to the company and its staff day to day: schedules, breaks, leave, discipline and more. Having a clear set prevents conflicts and supports decisions such as disciplinary measures.

What it is

Mexico’s Federal Labor Law defines it as the set of mandatory provisions for employees and employers in carrying out work at a company or establishment (art. 422). It does not contain the working conditions, which go in the contract, but the operating and coexistence rules.

What it usually contains

Article 423 of the law lists the minimum content. In general terms it includes:

• Start and end times, and time for rest or meals.
• Place and moment where the workday starts and ends.
• Days and places of payment.
• Rules for using facilities, tools and equipment.
• Hygiene and safety rules.
• Permissions and leave.
• Disciplinary provisions and the procedure to apply them. Suspension as a disciplinary measure cannot exceed eight days.

How it is prepared

1. Gather the information about your operation: shifts, posts, clients, current policies.
2. Draft it in clear language with concrete definitions (grace period, delay, absence, permission).
3. Joint review. The law provides for it to be drawn up with representatives of both parties (art. 424); confirm the procedure that applies to your company with your attorney.
4. Review with your labor attorney the content, any filing or registration that applies and its validity.
5. Share it with staff and keep proof they received it.

Checklist

• Are schedules and grace periods clear?
• Do absences and delays have a written definition?
• Are disciplinary measures provided for, graduated and within legal limits?
• Is there a procedure to apply them, with the right to be heard?
• Did each person sign that they received it?

How PPanel helps

PPanel generates the internal rules with a cover page, from a company-editable template, and stores the signed version in each person’s file. It is a starting point that your attorney must review. Related: disciplinary report for lateness and absences. Request a demo.

This article is informational and is not legal advice: consult your labor attorney for your case.