Mexico’s New Digital System Signals Surge in Labor Complaints and Inspections

Global employers with operations in Mexico should prepare for a sharp rise in labor complaints and government inspections following the launch of SIQAL (Labor Complaints and Accidents System) — a new digital platform for workers to report labor law violations and workplace accidents directly to the Mexico's Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS).

HR Policy Global’s Take: At our Mexico City meeting last week, Alejandro Salafranca, Head of the Decent Work Unit at STPS, underscored how SIQAL will modernize the government’s monitoring system and expand workers’ access to formal complaint channels. The platform allows not only employees but also third parties to submit reports — even anonymously — regarding unpaid benefits, unsafe conditions, or breaches of employment contracts.

According to El Economista, the STPS expects the number of labor complaints to double or even triple once the platform becomes fully operational, from roughly 5,000 to as many as 10,000 cases annually. The agency has also announced plans to conduct more than 42,000 labor inspections in 2025, signaling a new era of heightened enforcement and transparency.

For employers, this means increased risks on investigations and compliance reviews — often triggered by complaints over seemingly minor issues such as overtime, profit sharing, or safety practices. Anonymous submissions may also reduce early visibility, making proactive risk management critical.

What Global Employers Should Do Now

• Conduct internal audits of payroll, benefits, outsourcing, and safety compliance at all sites.
• Reinforce internal grievance channels so employees can raise concerns before turning to SIQAL.
• Train local HR and managers to respond quickly and consistently to potential labor issues.
• Stay inspection-ready with updated documentation and clear accountability lines.
• Engage local counsel to guide responses to complaints and inspections.

As Mexico continues to strengthen its labor enforcement, multinational companies should view SIQAL as more than a digital innovation. It represents a cultural and regulatory shift toward deeper worker protection and transparency, and proactive compliance will be the best strategy for staying ahead.