Employees in Mexico will be expecting a little extra in their pay packet prior to Christmas.
The aguinaldo (Christmas bonus) is a long-standing tradition in Mexico and is specified in Article 87 of the Federal Labor Law.
The law states simply that all employees have the right to a bonus, which must not be less than the equivalent of two weeks’ wages. If the company or employer wishes to pay more, that is up to them. Many employees sign contracts when they are hired stipulating the amount of Christmas bonus to be paid.
Under the law, all aguinaldos must be paid by December 20 and should be in cash.
Anyone who employs maids on a regular basis should pay them a Christmas bonus.
If a person has been employed for part of the year, the aguinaldo should be decreased proportionately for the period worked.