In Mexico, Labor Law is derived directly from Article 123 of its 1917 Federal Constitution. This legal area, probably more than any other, represents the conquests the Mexican Revolution recognized in favor of the labor working force vis á vis the capital. In this respect, Mexico’s Labor Law is clearly representative of the important area know in that country as "Social law."

Labor law is an essential component in any society. This Chapter reviews the current labor laws in effect in Mexico. After a brief introduction, the foundations for Mexico’s labor laws are explored, as well as key provisions of the Federal Labor Act (FLA). This statute governs all types of labor relationships in that country, from individual collective contracts to lockouts, strikes, unions, special labor areas, occupational injuries, hiring and firing, workers’ compensation and settlement of labor disputes. Labor conditions are discussed, with attention given to working hours, wages, benefits, and occupational injuries. The obligations and prohibitions of employers and employees are also reviewed. Special regulations governing the employment of women, minors, and special workers are also described and analyzed. Those provisions within the law that pertain to collective labor are summarized, as are those regulating strikes. Further, the processes that must be followed to resolve labor disputes are reviewed in detail. The chapter closes with a discussion of labor aspects affecting of the Maquiladora industry and the North American Free Trade Agreement. A collective bargaining agreement is reproduced at the end of this chapter.