The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) launched the new Labor Complaints and Accidents System (SIQAL), an online platform that allows anyone to report labor rights violations or workplace accidents from any internet-enabled device. Although it is not a completely new mechanism, it represents a substantial change in the way complaints are handled, now with traceability, real-time follow-up and guaranteed anonymity.
What is SIQAL and how does it work?
SIQAL (https://siqal.stps.gob.mx/) is a free digital system through which workers and citizens can submit:
- Complaints about illegal working conditions (low wages, lack of benefits, harassment, etc.).
- Occupational accident reports (including commuting accidents)
- Breaches of collective or individual contracts
The platform requests basic data from the work center, allows the attachment of evidence and provides a folio number with a visible status (received, in process, finalized). All complaints -even those received in person- will be channeled through SIQAL by inspection personnel.
Impact on employers
For companies, SIQAL makes it easier for workers to file complaints, which can translate into an increase in reports – even without solid grounds – due to the simplicity of access and guaranteed anonymity.
Although not every complaint will automatically result in an inspection, the authority will now be able to filter, organize and follow up in a more agile and transparent manner. This increases the risk of receiving inspections derived from complaints that previously could have been resolved internally or not reported.
In addition, the system has already registered hundreds of reports in its first few days, demonstrating its rapid adoption by the public.
Recommendations for employers
To prepare for this new dynamic of inspection and denunciation, we suggest:
- Strengthen internal compliance, especially in sensitive issues such as health and safety, subcontracting, working hours, benefits and collective bargaining agreements.
- Establish or strengthen internal complaint channels, such as trust mailboxes or whistleblower hotlines, to channel workers’ concerns before they escalate to the authority.
- Train middle management and HR managers on how to properly document and address any reported situation.
- Update the protocols for responding to inspections, considering that complaints can now be derived directly from the SIQAL system.
SIQAL represents a significant modernization in labor surveillance and should be understood as a call to improve internal channels and strengthen regulatory compliance. Companies that take preventive measures will be better positioned to avoid conflicts and demonstrate good faith before the authorities.
Do you have doubts about how to adapt your internal protocols or deal with possible labor complaints? At Vega, Guerrero & Asociados we support you. Contact us to review your situation and prepare you for this new era of digital auditing.
