Capacidad legal de los adolescentes para demandar en materia laboral en Ecuador: Análisis de una anomia
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Date
2025
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Publisher
PUCE - Ibarra
Abstract
Este artículo analiza las implicaciones de la anomia en el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano respecto a la capacidad de los adolescentes mayores de 15 años para demandar el cumplimiento de sus derechos laborales. Su objetivo fue analizar el alcance de tal capacidad, mediante el estudio de las disposiciones legales vigentes, la recopilación de opiniones de expertos en derecho laboral y el examen de las percepciones de la anomia que dificultan el ejercicio efectivo de estos derechos, con el propósito de formular recomendaciones orientadas al fortalecimiento del marco jurídico en esta materia. Con un diseño no experimental de tipo documental y mediante un enfoque cualitativo, utilizando las técnicas de la revisión y análisis documental y las entrevistas estructuradas aplicadas a jueces especializados, se identificaron vacíos y contradicciones en la legislación ecuatoriana que limitan el acceso a la justicia de este grupo vulnerable. Aunque el Código de Trabajo y el Código de la Niñez y Adolescencia reconocen la capacidad de los adolescentes para celebrar contratos laborales, no existe una normativa clara que regule su capacidad procesal para actuar como demandantes en conflictos laborales. Este vacío genera incertidumbre jurídica, desigualdad en la aplicación de las leyes y perpetúa la vulnerabilidad frente a abusos laborales. Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de reformas normativas que armonicen las disposiciones sustantivas y procesales, fortalezcan la Defensoría Pública y promuevan un sistema judicial accesible y equitativo. Este estudio contribuye al debate sobre la protección de los derechos laborales de los adolescentes, destacando la importancia de cerrar las brechas legales y garantizar su desarrollo integral.
This article examines the implications of the anomia in the Ecuadorian legal framework regarding the capacity of adolescents over 15 years of age to demand the fulfillment of their labor rights. Its objective was to analyze the scope of such capacity by studying the current legal provisions, gathering opinions from labor law experts, and examining perceptions of the anomia that hinder the effective exercise of these rights. The purpose was to formulate 2 recommendations aimed at strengthening the legal framework in this area. Using a non experimental, documentary research design and a qualitative approach, the study employed techniques such as document review and analysis and structured interviews with specialized judges. The findings identified gaps and contradictions in Ecuadorian legislation that limit access to justice for this vulnerable group. Although the Labor Code and the Childhood and Adolescence Code recognize the capacity of adolescents to enter into labor contracts, there is no clear regulation regarding their procedural capacity to act as plaintiffs in labor disputes. This gap creates legal uncertainty, unequal application of laws, and perpetuates vulnerability to labor abuses. The results suggest the need for legal reforms to harmonize substantive and procedural provisions, strengthen the Public Defender's Office, and promote an accessible and equitable judicial system. This study contributes to the debate on protecting adolescents’ labor rights, highlighting the importance of closing legal gaps and ensuring their integral development.
This article examines the implications of the anomia in the Ecuadorian legal framework regarding the capacity of adolescents over 15 years of age to demand the fulfillment of their labor rights. Its objective was to analyze the scope of such capacity by studying the current legal provisions, gathering opinions from labor law experts, and examining perceptions of the anomia that hinder the effective exercise of these rights. The purpose was to formulate 2 recommendations aimed at strengthening the legal framework in this area. Using a non experimental, documentary research design and a qualitative approach, the study employed techniques such as document review and analysis and structured interviews with specialized judges. The findings identified gaps and contradictions in Ecuadorian legislation that limit access to justice for this vulnerable group. Although the Labor Code and the Childhood and Adolescence Code recognize the capacity of adolescents to enter into labor contracts, there is no clear regulation regarding their procedural capacity to act as plaintiffs in labor disputes. This gap creates legal uncertainty, unequal application of laws, and perpetuates vulnerability to labor abuses. The results suggest the need for legal reforms to harmonize substantive and procedural provisions, strengthen the Public Defender's Office, and promote an accessible and equitable judicial system. This study contributes to the debate on protecting adolescents’ labor rights, highlighting the importance of closing legal gaps and ensuring their integral development.