About this service
Employment relationships in Guatemala are governed by a legal framework designed to balance workers' rights with the operational needs of businesses. At Vaides Matta & Asociados, we advise both employers and employees across every aspect of Guatemalan labor law, grounded in the Labor Code and complementary legislation.
Our approach is preventive and solution-oriented: we prefer to help our clients structure their employment relationships correctly from the outset, avoiding costly and draining disputes down the line.
What we handle
For employers
- Employment contracts — drafting individual and collective contracts, internal work regulations, and human-resources policies.
- Regulatory compliance — labor-compliance audits, benefits calculations, and guidance on obligations to the IGSS (social security), IRTRA, and INTECAP.
- Termination of employment — severance calculations, final settlements, and legally compliant dismissal procedures.
- Work permits for foreign nationals — in coordination with our immigration-law practice, we handle work-permit applications before the Ministry of Labor.
- Labor litigation — defense before the Labor and Social Welfare Courts.
For employees
- Benefits claims — counsel and representation for recovery of wages, vacation pay, year-end bonus (aguinaldo), statutory bonus (bonificación), and other benefits.
- Wrongful dismissal — case evaluation, negotiation, and litigation to recover severance.
- Workplace harassment and discrimination — legal guidance and action before the competent authorities.
Our approach
We believe that a well-structured employment relationship benefits everyone involved. Whether you need to prepare contracts, resolve a dispute, or understand your obligations as an employer, our team will provide clear, practical guidance grounded in current Guatemalan law.