Labor Law
Labor Law for Companies
Most labor disputes originate in decisions made months before the conflict: a poorly drafted contract, a dismissal without backup, an inconsistent internal policy. We work both sides: prevention, and, when needed, defense.
We advise Chilean companies and subsidiaries of foreign parent companies across the full labor cycle, from hiring to termination, with a focus on reducing exposure to Labor Directorate inspections and labor lawsuits.
How we work
Contracts and internal policies
Drafting employment contracts, internal order/hygiene/safety regulations, and policies on remote work, variable compensation, and benefits.
Legally sound terminations
Structuring dismissals, negotiating settlements, and pre-assessing the risk of a wrongful-dismissal or null-dismissal claim.
Labor Directorate inspections
Representation during inspections, responding to fines, and strategy to reduce sanctions before they escalate into court proceedings.
Collective bargaining and union relations
Advising the company through collective bargaining processes, legal strikes, and relations with labor unions.
Mobility of foreign executives
Work visas, contracts for expatriate executives, and compliance with the legal cap on foreign workers in the company's headcount.
This service is for you if:
- Companies going through restructuring or headcount reduction
- Companies facing a Labor Directorate inspection or fine
- Companies negotiating with a union for the first time
- Foreign parent companies relocating executives to the Chile operation
Let's talk about labor law
Tell us about your situation and we'll respond within 24 business hours.
Schedule a meetingFrequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What happens if the Labor Directorate issues a fine to the company?
The fine can be challenged administratively or before the labor court within short deadlines (generally 15 business days from notification). The first step is always assessing whether the infringement is challengeable and whether there's a path to reduce or waive it before the deadline expires.
How do you reduce the risk of a wrongful-dismissal claim?
By documenting the grounds invoked before the dismissal: backup for misconduct or the economic reason, compliance with legal notices and deadlines, and a correct settlement calculation. Most labor lawsuits are lost on procedural and evidentiary defects, not because the underlying grounds were invalid.
Is there a cap on how many foreign workers a company can hire in Chile?
Yes — generally, companies with more than 25 employees must keep at least 85% Chilean headcount, with legal exceptions (specialized technicians, among others). It's a point foreign parent companies often overlook when planning their first local team.
Contact
Let's talk about your case
We reply within 24 business hours.
- contacto@dmcia.cl
- +56 2 2940 2395
-
Badajoz 45, Piso 17
Las Condes, Santiago - Lunes a viernes, 9:00 a 18:00 hrs