Francisco Marroquín University law students gain practical experience through company visits

Students from Francisco Marroquín University participated in visits to local companies as part of their courses in Collective Labor Law and Labor Procedural Law. These activities aimed to connect classroom learning with real-world labor practices.

Luis Fernández, the course instructor, stated: "The objective is to demonstrate that the essence of collective labor law is harmony and teamwork, especially in large companies. It is a different vision from constant conflict and friction. On the contrary, harmony accommodates the different skills of each worker and generates employment."

Assistant professor Luis Ricardo González provided details about the visits: "Second-year students from the Collective Labor Law course visited the San Gabriel production plant of Cementos Progreso on September 3, 2025. Third-year students from the Labor Procedural Law course visited the El Zapote microbrewery production plant on September 18 of the same year. Both visits allow them to connect theory with practice."

Mariano Fernández, a student who attended the visit to El Zapote, shared his impressions: "The labor system at El Zapote is impressive. I recommend attending one of their tours because not only do you enjoy the experience, but you also learn a lot about the process behind beer: from ingredient selection to fermentation and bottling. The most useful part was seeing how they combine tradition with technology to maintain quality. I found it valuable to learn about their business vision, how they have positioned themselves in both local and international markets, and the role that beer culture plays in Guatemala."

Kang Kim, who visited Cementos Progreso's San Gabriel plant, commented: "This experience helped me see that law not only regulates conflicts but can also be a bridge for creating social balance and fostering fairer relationships. It was an opportunity for me to realize that legal norms are alive in daily practice, from administrative matters to labor issues, and that proper application can prevent tensions and promote collective well-being."

These company visits gave students practical insight into how labor law operates beyond academic settings and highlighted its importance as a tool for promoting productive environments among stakeholders.