Labour and employment in Venezuela

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.

Baker & McKenzie, S.C.’s employment and compensation team is led by Carlos Felce, who is a member of the firm's Latin American employment and compensation steering committee, handling challenging employee mobility issues and the employment aspects of cross-border reorganisations and restructurings. The firm is noted for its ‘tailor-made customer service‘ in areas including complex employment litigation, which is handled by Gabriel De Jesús. Daniel Fragiel, Johana De La Rosa and Sebastián Nastari are noted names at associate level.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Felce


Testimonials

Tailor-made customer service.

Key clients

Anglo American


Aspen Technology


Associated Press


Eni


HBO


Industria Láctea Venezolana


Melia


Servicios Halliburton de Venezuela


Telefónica


Amway de Venezuela


Laboratorios Leti


Destillers United


Embajada del Reino de los Países Bajos


D'Empaire

D'Empaire advises clients from a diverse range of industry sectors, from technology to luxury goods and pharmaceuticals, on employment issues related to corporate transactions and high-stakes labour litigation and the termination of employment contracts, including mass lay-offs. Alejandro Disilvestro is renowned for his work in collective contract negotiations and conflict management with labour unions. Aixa Añez and Ingrid Daniele are both noted for their representation of clients in labour disputes before all stages of the Venezuelan courts. Victorino Márquez has extensive experience of advising clients on labour matters and public affairs and Biba Arciniegas is well versed in the employee benefits and executive compensation aspects of corporate transactions.

Practice head(s):

Alejandro Disilvestro; Victorino Márquez


Testimonials

The firm provides advice on individual and collective labour matters, and stands out for its quality and bilingual abilities.

Key clients

Copa Airlines


Les Laboratoires Servier


Mondelez


Mapfre


Marubeni


Calox


Syngenta


Delivery Hero


Embassy of Spain in Caracas, Venezuela


Colegio Humboldt


Brown-Forman Corporation


Work highlights


  • Advised Copa Airlines of labour issues relating to the restructuring of its operations in Venezuela.
  • Assisted Mondelez in the resolution of a collective conflict that resulted in the halt of its local operations.
  • Advised Marubeni on a sensitive matter relating to the dismissal of a senior employee.

Dentons

Dentons has continued to assist domestic and international clients with labour issues relating to its day-to-day operations and in labour litigation in industries including tobacco, aviation and pharmaceuticals. The practice is headed by managing partner Juan Carlos Pró-Rísquez, who has vast experience in this area, and Yanet Aguiar, who specialises in labour litigation. Esther Cecilia Blondet is also a skilled litigator, participating in union-related procedures and advising employers on collective bargaining agreements. Eirys Mata Marcano has broad experience in advising national employers on occupational health and safety matters. Victor Duran is noted for his employment work for clients in the oil and gas sector and is experienced in proceedings before the Supreme Tribunal of Justice.

Practice head(s):

Juan Carlos Pró-Rísquez


Testimonials

They get along well with us and always keep in touch.

It is a recognised firm with excellent professionals.

Excellent and punctual assistance, perfect knowledge and enormous availability to support and create solutions.

Juan Carlos Pro and Eirys Mata shine for their excellence and constant support and legal advice in Venezuela.

Eirys Mata and Juan Carlos Pro are excellent advisers and very thorough.

Dentons’ labour practice is of a high level. The team’s management of legal issues and jurisprudential trends, and the negotiation skills, track record and reputation of its lawyers allow it to defend the interests of its clients in an exceptional way. They are distinguished from other firms by their ability to resolve conflicts in a manner favourable to the interests of clients, in an area highly protected by the state.

Outstanding mastery of the legislation and the ability to build solid and favourable arguments. They stand out for their background and recognition from their peers.

Dentons has extensive experience and experts in different labour issues, especially complex issues before the labour courts and in negotiation with workers. The relationship is fluid and communicative – they are efficient and care about keeping the client informed about case updates. Despite being an international firm, with highly reputed lawyers, they maintain competitive prices within the market.

Key clients

American Airlines


Air France


Banesco


Brinks (Servicio Panamericano de Protección)


British American Tobacco (Bigott)


Corporacion Digitel


Vicson Beackert


Work highlights


  • Represented a client in a lawsuit brought by a former employee who was temporarily transferred abroad.
  • Represented American Airlines in a lawsuit brought by a former contractor requesting payment of statutory labour benefits.
  • Represented Repsol in a constitutional appeal in a long-running dispute with a former manager.

Lega

Lega is renowned for its work in collective labour matters, such as social security, recruitment and talent retention processes, executive compensation and labour audits, and has a strong litigation practice which is also skilled in risk prevention. The firm’s varied client portfolio ranges from the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors to banking. John Tucker-Barboza specialises in executive compensation matters and related litigation. Carlos Alberto Henríquez is experienced in collective bargaining and litigation, whereas María Elena Subero is knowledgeable in negotiations relating to downsizing processes and union issues. Isabel Pestana is also a noted name. Gabriel Calleja and Natalia De Paz Garmendia departed the firm for GECA Consultores.

Practice head(s):

John Tucker


Testimonials

Their sense of practicality, and focus on solving the challenge posed without unnecessary theories, makes them a very high-level team that I would recommend with my eyes closed after more than ten years receiving their advice.

María Elena Subero is so clear, responsible and committed to what she does and to us as a client that working with her has become extremely easy and efficient. In addition, as a person it is a great pleasure to resolve labour issues with her.

Key clients

Coca-Cola Femsa


Jones Lang Lasalle


Nestle


Project Hope


Lenovo


Tampa Bay Rays


Organizacion Lider


Real Seguros


Makro Comercializadora


IBM


Work highlights


  • Represented IBM in a labour claim for employment benefits resulting from applying certain special bonuses as salary.
  • Represented MLB baseball team the Seattle Mariners in a lawsuit filed by a former employee before the labour courts in Maracaibo.
  • Represented Makro in labour claims for employment benefits.

Altum Abogados, S.C.

Altum Abogados, S.C. covers the full spectrum of labour matters in Venezuela, ranging from advice on compensation and benefits for local and expatriate employees to labour audits, policies, hirings, terminations and advice on occupational health and safety. Mariana Roso is the practice head and is experienced in assisting employers with labour law compensation, benefits arrangements and compliance.

InterJuris Abogados

The ‘exceptional‘ labour team at InterJuris Abogados maintains a full-service practice, advising domestic and international clients in major industries from its three offices in Caracas, Miami and Madrid. The firm's labour litigation practice, where associate Sofia Fidalgo is a key contact, represents employers in proceedings against Venezuela's labour ministry and courts. Angel Meléndez Cardoza heads the department and has experience in general labour issues, the labour aspects of M&A and international employee transfers. Support is provided at senior associate level by Daniela Urdaneta, who is noted for her expertise in judicial and administrative cases, and Danielis Toro, who focuses on the labour side of the restructuring of local and international companies.

Practice head(s):

Angel Melendez Cardoza


Testimonials

This firm knows the local legislation very well and its value proposition considers the impacts of the national environment and for the business. Communication is assertive and explains concepts in simple language for people of different professions and nationalities. The support of the firm is comprehensive, preventive, fast and timely.

Ángel Melendez has an excellent command of the legislation and local procedures and his communication is effective. Angel’s skills in labour negotiations are exceptional, allowing him to reduce or eliminate possible labour legal risks.

Very good, with significant knowledge of the subject and very committed.

Key clients

Cervecería Polar


Pepsi Cola


Alimentos Polar


Productos EFE


Ericsson


Industria Láctea de Venezuela (Lactalis)


Goddard Catering Group


Uninet Business School


CMEC Engineering


Cunapro


Amarillo Creative Lab


La Lucha


Quant Ventures


INPEX Corp


First Link Group


Grupo Nueve Once


NOFFRA, 2000


EcoGreen


Work highlights


  • Represented Cervecería Polar in a Constitutional Court case.
  • Advised Grupo Nueve Once on its restructuring, including compensation plans for 200 employees.
  • Advised Noffra 2000 on its restructuring, including compensation plans for 100 employees.

LABOR – Gestión de Gente

LABOR – Gestión de Gente specialises in labour law, labour relations and labour negotiations, and is well known for its work in dispute resolution, representing employees with regards to employment contracts and terminations. The firm also advises on the construction and execution of right-sizing, down-sizing and job restructuring processes and general labour matters. Carlos Rivera leads the practice and is experienced in labour disputes and payroll restructurings, while Pedro Uriola is well regarded for his expertise in collective bargaining.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Rivera


Testimonials

LABOR – Gestión de Gente stands out for providing a personalised service with excellent results.

What stands out is the firm’s experience and the effectiveness of its advice.

Key clients

C.A. de Seguros American International (AIG)


Engelberg Transportes Internacionales (ENTRA)/DB Schenker


Laboratorios FC Pharma


Laboratorios La Santé


Alimentos Prodalva


Industrias Pollo Premium 5.8


Agropecuaria Burlero


Caracas Alto Rendimiento


Fundación Hospital Ortopédico Infantil


Muebles Bima


Work highlights


  • Advised C.A. de Seguros American International (AIG) on various labour issues relating to its Venezuelan operations.
  • Advised Laboratorios La Santé on various labour matters.
  • Advised Engelberg Transportes Internacionales (ENTRA)/DB Schenker on the negotiation strategy related to the termination of the general director of the company.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia.

Mendoza, Palacios, Acedo, Borjas, Paez Pumar & Cia. is recognised for its experience in labour litigation, workplace safety and regulations, and work contracts, including termination issues. Leading the team are experienced litigators Alfonso Graterol and Esteban Palacios, who have strong reputations for representing employers in labour disputes and collective bargaining negotiations. Rosemary Thomas is knowledgeable in labour law and procedure and has participated in proceedings before the Supreme Tribunal of Justice. Diego Lepervanche assists local and international clients and Sobella Gomez is a noted associate in the team.

Practice head(s):

Esteban Palacios; Alfonso Graterol


Testimonials

This office has the unique quality of maintaining a work team for years that works like a family, but at the same time maintains the professionalism and responsibility to always have and provide the best service with the most qualified person depending on the consultation or advice that is required.

Esteban Palacios is always available to advise or give support in any matter.

All have excellent training and knowledge and work together as a big family to provide the best service.

Key clients

AON Risk Group


MSD Farmacéutica


Coca-Cola Servicios de Venezuela


BI Worldwide de Venezuela


Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes


Engelberg Transportes Internacionales


Grupo Perret


Grupo Formiconi


Miranda Capital Partners


Chilean Consulate in Venezuela


Work highlights


  • Advised Miranda Capital Partners on various labour matters.
  • Advised Hotel Paseo Las Mercedes on all its labour issues, including a physical injury claim and salary benefit claims.
  • Assisting Proyectos Aloru in all its day-to-day labour-related requirements, as well as labour litigation related to an accident on the Torre Cinética project.

Ponte Andrade & Casanova

Ponte Andrade & Casanova offers regional advice on labour matters, including the review of employment contracts and adapting clients' global employment-related policies and protocols to local jurisdictions. Alongside this, the firm offers litigation services in employment and occupational health and safety matters. Ignacio Andrade Monagas advises multinational and local clients on employment matters across Venezuela and Latin America, while Francisco Casanova is a specialist in occupational health and safety and social security issues. Ignacio Ponte Brandt is experienced in labour litigation, while Elainy Vicuña Gil is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Ignacio Andrade Monagas; Francisco Casanova; Ignacio Ponte Brandt


Testimonials

The team stands out for the duality between youth and experience. The new generation working with the older generation makes a very interesting team, where I applaud the fact that youth is not underestimated and is empowered to propose differentiating ideas.

Ponte Andrade & Casanova has been able to manage and navigate a complicated matrix of interlocking issues for us with precision and efficiency, and with a deep understanding of the commercial sense of our business.

Francisco Casanova is a specialist in labour and commercial issues. He is a great lawyer with a lot of experience, and he is also very clear in his answers.

Key clients

Hyland Software


The Walt Disney Company


Delsur Banco Universal


ZEA BBDO (BBDO Worldwide)


Coca-Cola Femsa de Venezuela


S.C. Johnson & Son de Venezuela


Banesco Banco Universal


Banco Exterior, C.A. Banco Universal


Servicios Panamericanos de Protección (SERPAPRO) (Brinks Group)


Documentos Mercantiles (DOMESA)


Infocent


Consorcio Lake Plaza


Inversiones Instrumental Atlas


Compromiso Compartido


ASEGURAPRO Sociedad de Corretaje de Seguros


Comunidad 1001 Ideas para mi País


Unidad de Medicina Interna Ambulatoria (UMIA)


Zippi Market


Snacks La Encantada


ASAP Venezuela


Work highlights


  • Advised Hyland on the transfer process of a high-ranking employee from its Colombian entity to its Spanish entity.
  • Serving as general counsel to Zippi Market and assisting with labour matters.
  • Serving as general counsel to Unidad de Medicina Interna Ambulatoria and assisting the company in labour matters.

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz

Travieso Evans Arria Rengel & Paz provides labour advisory and litigation service, acting for a range of international and domestic clients including ExxonMobil and Del Monte Foods. The team is also skilled at handling individual negotiations. The practice is led by Oscar Torres, who focuses on advising clients in the energy, food, vehicle and auto parts industries. Other key members are Joshua Hurtado, Hernando Barboza Russian, who has handled litigation before the labour courts and labour administrative authorities (including the Venezuelan Supreme Tribunal of Justice), and Yeoshua Bograd Lamberti, who is noted for his specialisation in labour administrative procedures and collective bargaining. Capable support is provided by associates Gustavo Urbano, who has expertise in complex negotiations, and Rafael Cardenas.

Practice head(s):

Oscar Torres


Testimonials

‘Travieso Evans’ work team is high-performing, performs exhaustive follow-up on the cases assigned to it, and is always in a good position to achieve clients’ objectives and make things happen, in addition to their expertise in the subject matter.

Oscar Torres and Yeoshua Bograd have outstanding expertise in labour matters, plus their response times are fast. They keep our legal department informed of all the progress of the cases that have been assigned to them. They are assertive in their answers to the questions raised.

The thorough and constant monitoring of cases makes it a team that can always be trusted, since it keeps us updated and makes decision-making easier.

Key clients

Ford Motor de Venezuela


Avon Cosmetics


Mondelez


National Oilwell de Venezuela


Del Monte Andina


Stanhome Panamericana


ExxonMobil


Orica


Banco Activo


Aggreko Venezuela


Work highlights


  • Represented Banco Activo in a claim brought by a high-level former employee for the collection of termination benefits and other labour benefits.
  • Represented Del Monte Andina in a dispute over the dismissal of a worker.
  • Representing Mondelez Venezuela in an action for the collection of labour indemnification derived from an occupational disease and in an action for the annulment of an administrative ruling.

Araquereyna

Araquereyna handles a broad range of work within the labour practice area, including negotiations of collective agreements and administrative and judicial labour proceedings, alongside offering clients advice on general labour issues and risk prevention. The team also assists an array of multinational and domestic companies in issues revolving around Venezuelan regulations on social security and occupational health and safety. Practice heads Luis Alfredo Araque and Pedro Sosa are the key team members, alongside associate Patricia Lozada, who is specialised in administrative and judicial labour matters.

Practice head(s):

Luis Alfredo Araque; Pedro Sosa


Testimonials

The team that assisted us, led by Pedro Sosa and Patricia Lozada, was very confident in the subject matter.

In the case of Araquereyna, what makes its professional service special and unique, and its responses so high-quality, is the care that it takes in the analysis and details of negotiations, as well as the assertiveness of its recommendations.

What makes Araquereyna’s lawyers stand out from other firms is the solid professional training of its members, and its constant updates to clients on labour legislation and other changes in Venezuela.

Key clients

Westcon Cala/Afina Venezuela


Mapfre


Centro Médico de Caracas


Nokia


Turkish Airlines


Constructora Andrade Gutiérrez


Cámara de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de Caracas


Pizzolante Comunicación Estratégica


Domino’s Pizza Venezuela


Work highlights


  • Advising multiple companies on day-to-day labour and occupational health and safety matters.
  • Advising on the design of remuneration schemes for employees.
  • Representing Constructora Andrade Gutierrez in a series of collective labour lawsuits.

ESCG Abogados S.C.

ESCG Abogados S.C. has a strong grasp of a range of employment matters, including compliance, negotiations, litigation and the employment aspects of corporate transactions. The team's clientele spans industry sectors including food and beverages, entertainment and education. Andrés Carrasquero Stolk leads the labour and employment department and is experienced in labour litigation before the labour courts and the Supreme Court of Justice in Venezuela, while associate Karla Sáez Rodríguez specialises in contentious labour matters at the judicial and administrative level.

Practice head(s):

Andrés Carrasquero Stolk


Testimonials

One of the distinguishing features of the firm is that they understand our business and they have been interested in learning more details about our operations, and this close relationship gives them an advantage when advising us. They keep us informed of topics of interest in the workplace, which means we anticipate issues before the implementation of any strategy.

Karla Sáez and Andrés Carrasquero have shown us in the time that we have worked together that they are great professionals and scholars, and well prepared, with excellent connections (which is important in these times in the country). They have been concerned with building ties and understanding our business, and on this basis give their recommendations aligned with our objectives and corporate plans.

The firm has a diverse team that has knowledge of arbitration and international employment law.

Key clients

The British Council


Operadora Gastronómica Ávila


Alimentos Arcos Dorados (McDonald’s)


Fundación Efecto Cocuyo


Multicine Las Trinitarias


CAF Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina


Goliiive


HIAS


Godoy Córdoba Abogados


C.A. Tabacalera Nacional (Phillip Morris)


Consultores e Ingenieros Consein


Fundación Jacinto Convit


Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad


C.A. Ron Santa Teresa


CPL Air & Sea


SouthGenetics


Supra BT


Cifuentes Lemus & Asociados (Moore Venezuela)


VectorGlobal WMG Venezuela


Jurado Blanco & Aguirre (JBA Legal)

Jurado Blanco & Aguirre (JBA Legal)'s labour practice is led by Simón Jurado-Blanco, who has expertise ranging from litigation to the negotiation of individual and collective agreements, and Alexis Aguirre Sánchez, who stands out for his work in both labour consultancy and litigation and collective bargaining; his practice also takes in health and safety matters. Zuleima Espinel covers administrative and judicial labour proceedings, while Mayralejandra Pérez is experienced in the planning and implementation of policies on personnel recruitment, employment benefits and human resources.

Practice head(s):

Simón Jurado-Blanco Sandoval; Alexis Aguire Sánchez


Testimonials

They are lawyers who not only stand out for their knowledge but also for being up to date with the new trends in the application of laws to the country’s situation, the economic context of companies, and the benefits to be granted to employees without a major impact on the finances of organisations, and how to have a responsible and sustainable company. What distinguishes it from the competition is going one step ahead with innovative and disruptive proposals.

The bonus is the expertise that they have from all their years in the practice of law, as well as their knowledge of the business world, allowing them to visualise how legal solutions can be. His qualities are respect for his relationship with the company and achieving win-win solutions for both parties.

Simón Jurado and Alexis Aguirre are great professionals who stand out for their mastery of labour law and the great results in the cases they handle, as well as their responsibility and honesty in the role they play.

Key clients

Banco del Caribe (Bancaribe)


Sodexho Pass Venezuela


BBVA Banco Provincial


Lior Cosmetics


Charcutería Venezolana (Charvenca)


Desarrollos Hoteleros La Castellana


Poscomercial


LBM Comunicaciones


S.A. Sucesora Jose Puig & Cia


Deli Corporación


Del Sur Banco Universal


Instituto Clinico La Florida


Molinos Nacionales (Monaca)


Fundación Pacífico


ITBC de Venezuela


Impresora Gamacolor


Work highlights


  • Advised Sodexo Pass Venezuela on labour issues related to its commercial and financial alliances with several financial entities.
  • Represented Charcutería Venezolana (Charvenca) in the negotiation of its collective bargaining agreement with the workers’ union.
  • Advised Banco del Caribe (Bancaribe) on employment issues relating to the liquidation of the Workers’ Savings Bank before the Superintendence of Savings Banks (SUDECA).