Labor reduction in Mexico is feasible in the current national
For the Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare, labor reduction in Mexico is feasible in the current national context.
According to Marath Bolaños López, Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), labor reduction in Mexico is viable because he believes the nation is at a crucial moment in promoting labor rights.
It is in this context that the reduction of the workweek from 48 to 40 hours is being debated, providing a suitable opportunity to address this historical demand.
“I believe that the issue (of reducing the workweek) deserves a thorough discussion among everyone,” Bolaños stated.
He explained that the initiative for labor reduction in Mexico is supported by the Ministry, just as they have always advocated for all labor-related issues that have been raised.
These statements were made to the El Economista website during the inauguration of the joint session of the National Conference of Labor Secretaries (Conasetra) and the National Network of Intersecretarial Commissions for the Prevention and Eradication of Child Labor and the Protection of Adolescent Workers (CITI) held in Mérida, Yucatán.
The reform initiative regarding labor reduction in Mexico was proposed this time by federal deputy Susana Prieto Terrazas (Morena) and aims to amend Article 123 of the Constitution to establish two mandatory days off per week.
Labor Reduction in Mexico: crucial time
Currently, the Constitution only guarantees one day of weekly rest for workers.
Although the reform proposal was approved a few months ago in the Constitutional Points Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, opposition from the PAN (National Action Party) and business organizations, as well as the lack of consensus among parliamentary factions, prevented the proposal from reaching the plenary session.
In the past five years, the minimum wage has doubled, subcontracting has been moderately regulated, the pension system has been reformed to reduce the required contribution weeks and increase employer contributions, the vacation period has doubled, and domestic workers have had their labor rights recognized.
According to Marath Bolaños, “from the Ministry of Labor, we have supported building a work environment that allows us to continue advancing in the sound development of economic activities.”
Now, the aim is to no longer be the country with the highest number of working hours per year within the OECD (2,137 hours per person).
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