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Sustainability
Social - Labor

Ongoing advice to companies in the apparel and textile sector on the correct application of local and international labor legislation through accompaniment and generation of support documents.
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What is Social Sustainability?

Social sustainability at work refers to practices and policies that promote employee well-being, social equity, and respect for labor rights in the work environment. This includes aspects such as creating safe, fair and healthy working conditions, promoting inclusion, ensuring living wages, and respecting work-life balance.

How is it fulfilled?

Fulfilling social sustainability at work involves offering fair, equitable and safe working conditions, promoting team integration, supporting professional development, and facilitating work-life balance in the textile and apparel industry.

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Services

What does Vestex do in labor matters?

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Consulting

We provide permanent advice on the following topics:

  • Correct calculation of salaries and benefits
  • Employment Contracts
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Non-discrimination in the workplace
  • Freedom of Association
  • Prohibition of forced labor
  • Working hours / overtime / holidays
  • Due Diligence in Human Rights and Business
  • Prevention and eradication of violence and harassment in the workplace
  • Salary comparison for the Central America region
  • Social Security (IGSS)
representacion institucional vestex

Interinstitutional Representation

Delegates of the VESTEX Labor Committee have been appointed to participate as delegates in the different instances.

rac centro de resolucion alterna de conflictos laborales

Center for Alternative Labor Dispute Resolution -RAC-.

Since 2004, Vestex has had a Labor Dispute Resolution Center (RAC), which provides dispute resolution options in which the parties participate directly in the choice of solutions.

A mediator helps the parties communicate with each other to reach an agreement that satisfies them.

The agreement reached by the parties has legal backing.

Legislation and regulations

Current legislation in our country regulates labor compliance, covering the rights and obligations of workers and employers, as well as fair working conditions. In addition, international conventions ratified by Guatemala reinforce these regulations, ensuring their alignment with global customer standards.

National

Constitucion de Guatemala

Constitution of Guatemala

It establishes the necessary regulations to prevent, plan and respond in an urgent, adequate, coordinated and sustained manner to the impacts of climate change in the country.
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Codigo del Trabajo Decreto 1441

Labor Code - Decree 1441

Regulates labor relations, establishing rights and obligations of employees and employers. Defines aspects such as contracts, salaries, working conditions and procedures to resolve labor conflicts, ensuring justice and equity in the labor environment.
Download here
ley de aguinaldo

Law Regulating the Aguinaldo - Decree 76-78

The Ley Reguladora del Aguinaldo - Decree 76-78 of Guatemala establishes the payment of the aguinaldo (Christmas bonus) to private sector workers. This Christmas bonus, equivalent to one twelfth of the annual salary, must be paid before December 15.
Download here
bonificacion anual para trabajadores 42 92

Annual Bonus Law for Private and Public Sector Workers - Decree 42-92

Regulates the payment of an annual bonus equivalent to one monthly salary for private and public sector workers. This bonus must be paid in December and is intended to provide an additional benefit during the Christmas season.
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decreto 37 2001

Incentive Bonus - Decree 37-2001

Establishes the Incentive Bonus in Guatemala, granting an additional payment to public and private sector workers. This bonus seeks to recognize performance and motivate employees, supplementing their income and improving their welfare.
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Reglamento de Autorizacion del Trabajo a Personas

Regulations for the Authorization of Foreigners to Work for Employers in the Private Sector - Governmental Agreement 528 - 2003

The Agreement regulates the hiring of foreign workers in the private sector in Guatemala. It establishes requirements and procedures for obtaining permits and ensuring that employers comply with labor laws and protect the rights of foreign workers.
Download here
ley que promueve el turismo interno

Law Promoting Domestic Tourism - Decree 42-10

The Law that Promotes Domestic Tourism in Guatemala, passed in 2018, seeks to promote domestic tourism by moving certain holidays to Mondays. By creating long weekends, the law encourages Guatemalans to travel within the country, boosting local tourism and economic development in different regions.
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Reform to the Law that Promotes Domestic Tourism - Decree 19-2018
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Ruling of the Constitutional Court - Decree 19-2018
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Social Security Legislation

REGLAMENTO DE EVALUACION CONTROL Y SEGUIMIENTO AMBIENTAL AG 137 206

Organic Law of the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security (IGSS)- Decree 295

This Decree establishes the creation and operation of the IGSS. It defines its structure, responsibilities, and financing to provide social security services, such as health, pensions, and labor risks in Guatemala.
Download here
REGLAMENTO DE LAS DESCARGAS Y REUSO DE AGUAS RESIDUALES Y DE LA DISPOSICION DE LODOS AG 236 2006

Regulation on collection of contributions to the social security system - Agreement 1421 of the IGSS Board of Directors

This regulation regulates the procedures and obligations of employers for the collection and payment of contributions to the social security system in Guatemala.
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Amendments to the Regulation on collection of contributions to the social security system - Agreement 1520 of the IGSS Board of Directors. Governmental Agreement 239-2022.

Agreement 1520 of the IGSS Board of Directors introduces reforms to the regulations for the collection of contributions to the social security system, adjusting procedures and obligations of employers to improve efficiency in the payment and administration of contributions in Guatemala.
Download here
REGLAMENTO DE EVALUACION CONTROL Y SEGUIMIENTO AMBIENTAL AG 137 206

Regulation on Sickness and Maternity Protection - IGSS Board of Directors Agreement 410

The Regulations establish the rules for granting medical benefits and services to insured workers in cases of illness and maternity, guaranteeing their welfare and social protection in Guatemala.
Download here
listado taxativo 204 2019

Regulation on disability, old age and survivorship protection - Agreement 1124 of the IGSS Board of Directors.

This agreement defines the benefits for insured workers in the event of disability, old age or death, guaranteeing economic support and social protection for them and their families in Guatemala.
Download here
AM 273 2019 Guia Ambiental Textil y Vestuario

Regulations for the protection of part-time workers in application of ILO Convention 175 - Agreement 1522

This agreement regulates the rights and working conditions of part-time employees in Guatemala, guaranteeing their access to benefits and social protection equivalent to full-time workers.
Download here

International

International labor standards are legal instruments prepared by the ILO’s constituents (governments, employers and workers) that establish basic principles and rights at work.

The standards are divided into:

Conventions or protocols, which are legally binding international treaties that can be ratified by Member States.
Recommendations, which act as non-binding guidelines.

International Labor Agreements Ratified By Guatemala

Core Labor Conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO)

convenio 119
Freedom of Association and Trade Union Freedom and the Effective Recognition of the Right to Collective Bargaining
Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize.
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Convention 98, on the right to organize and collective bargaining.
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convenio 119

The Elimination of All Forms of Forced or Compulsory Labor

Convention 29, on forced labor.
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Convention 105, on the Abolition of Forced Labor.
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convenio 119

The Effective Abolition of Child Labor

Convention 138, on minimum age.
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Convention 182, on the worst forms of child labor.
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convenio 119

The Elimination of Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation

Convention 100 on Equal Remuneration.
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Convention 111, on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation).
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convenio 119

A safe and healthy work environment

Convention 155, Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981.
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Convention 187, on the promotional framework for occupational safety and health.
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Business, Human Rights (HR) and due diligence

declaracion universal de los derechos humanos

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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Principios Rectores de Naciones Unidas para las Empresas Multinacionales y los Derechos Humanos

United Nations Guiding Principles for Multinational Enterprises and Human Rights

See here
Principios Rectores de Naciones Unidas para las Empresas Multinacionales y los Derechos Humanos 1

United Nations Guiding Principles for Multinational Enterprises and Human Rights

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Lineas Directrices de la OCDE para Empresas Multinacionales

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

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Guia de la OCDE de Debida Diligencia para una Conducta Empresarial Responsable CER​

OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct (CER)

See here
Guia de la OCDE de debida diligencia para cadenas de suministro responsables en el sector textil y del calzado

OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Textile and Footwear Sector

See here

Calendar of Observances, Holidays, and Days Off

Eventos Social Sustainability – Labor

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

Holiday, Army Day

(If June 30 falls on Tuesday or Wednesday, it will be taken on the preceding Monday; if it falls on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, it will be taken on […]

Does your company meet basic labor compliance requirements?

Remember that your organization must have:

Contract of employment

Salary Book

IGSS payroll

Internal work regulations

OHS Plan

  • Primary and Secondary

Bipartite Committee

Emergency brigades

LOGO RAC 04

Since 2004, Vestex has had a Labor Dispute Resolution Center (RAC), which provides dispute resolution options in which the parties participate directly in the choice of solutions.

A mediator helps the parties communicate with each other to reach an agreement that satisfies them.

The agreement reached by the parties has legal backing.

Features

The case in dispute should not be in the administrative or judicial phase.
The parties seek a solution on their own
The parties act together
It is legally supported
It is a voluntary process

Benefits of RAC

Cases can be resolved faster than in court, saving costs, time and paperwork.
Improves relations between employers and employees, helping them to communicate better.
Promotes everyone to participate in law enforcement in companies.
PASOS A SEGUIR RAC

Frequently asked questions about RAC

Who can use the services of the RAC - VESTEX Center?

Workers and employers in the apparel and textile export industry.

Problems can be resolved more quickly than through administrative or judicial channels; it promotes the participation of the parties in the search for a solution and mIt promotes the participation of the parties in the search for a solution and improves labor relations and the work environment.

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Do you want advice on Labor Compliance?

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Active contact labor compliance
Personalized advice from our team of social sustainability and compliance specialists.
Rolando Figueroa
Alicia Valenzuela
Vestex. All rights reserved.
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