Peru Approves “Chair Law” for Standing Workers

Peru’s Congress approved a new law granting workers who stand for extended periods the right to seated breaks during their workday. The legislation, known internationally as the “Chair Law,” now awaits President José María Balcázar’s promulgation. It will apply to both public and private workplaces where employees stand continuously for more than three hours.

The law prioritizes sectors including retail, hospitality, healthcare, finance, transportation, and education. Employers must provide ergonomic chairs and establish break schedules, or implement rotating chair systems ensuring all workers access to seating. Companies have up to twelve months to adapt, during which time the National Labor Inspection Superintendency will offer guidance.

However, the law does not apply to jobs where standing is essential for safety or the task itself, such as factory work or active security roles. Some business groups, like the Lima Chamber of Commerce, question whether the law will truly improve worker wellbeing, citing a lack of technical support for the regulation.

Similar laws exist in Mexico, Spain, Chile, and Argentina. The work of defining implementation details and addressing employer concerns continues.