Vulnerable Workers & Paid Leave in Mexico During Covid-19 Pandemic

There have been two decrees published in the Mexican federal register (DOF) dictating which workers are to suspend work activities and their compensation (“paid leave”) during the COVID-19 pandemic. CPI advises our clients to conform with the latest federal decree from March 31, 2020.

Decree March 24, 2020:

Workers with the following conditions are to stay home from work and regardless of salary are to be compensated with daily minimum wage (“paid leave”), not to exceed more than one month.

• Adults over 65 years old;
• People at risk of developing serious illness and/or dying from it;
• Pregnant and nursing women;
• Children under 5 years of age;
• Persons with disabilities;
• Persons with chronic non-communicable diseases;
• People with a disease or pharmacological treatment that suppresses their immune system.

Decree March 31, 2020:

Declared a Health Emergency due to force majeure, stating that all furloughed workers covered under the March 23, 2020 decree, are to be compensated with FULL PAY from March 30, 2020 until April 30, 2020, as well furloughed workers from non-essential businesses that temporarily close during the same time period.