Overview of Labor Initiatives in the Mexican Legislature
During the LXVI legislative period, over 170 labor-related initiatives have been presented. In May alone, five more projects were introduced, focusing on ageism, protection against extreme climates, sex work, and non-discrimination measures.
Key Initiatives in May
- Protection in Extreme Temperatures: A project led by the Congress of Baja California aims to amend the Federal Labor Law (LFT), the Law of State Workers (LFTSE), and the Social Security Law (LSS) to establish a framework for protecting workers exposed to extreme temperatures, whether natural or artificial.
- Ageism: This initiative focuses on ensuring employment continuity for individuals over 60 years old. It proposes adding a new chapter to the LFT, obliging employers to consider age-related characteristics and adopt necessary preventive measures in job positions.
- Non-Discrimination Measures: Senator Reyna Celeste Ascencio Ortega (Morena) presented two proposals to strengthen non-discrimination in the workplace. The first aims to include norms in internal work regulations to prevent discrimination and promote the inclusion of workers, particularly those with disabilities, indigenous people, Afro-Mexicans, and individuals from the LGBTQ+ community.
- Sex Work: A new chapter is proposed in the Federal Labor Law to recognize sex work as a legitimate activity for adults, provided it is freely, consensually, independently performed without any coercion of consent. The proposal also promotes dignified working conditions and allows the Secretariat of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS) to create a voluntary registry for safe working zones, public policy design against human trafficking, and access to health services.
Reforms with Greater Chances of Advancement
The reduction of the working day is expected to advance further, with dialogue forums starting on June 19 to build a consensus project for gradual implementation of the 40-hour workweek. This proposal is expected to be analyzed by the Union Congress in September when ordinary sessions resume.
Another reform with good progress is the salario mínimo and protection of tips in service establishments. The project was approved by the Chamber of Deputies and awaits Senate voting.
Other potential changes, though less prominent, include luto leave, gender gap inspections, remunerated exam leave, and the Vaso de Agua Law, which sparked considerable debate upon introduction.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main topics of labor initiatives in May? The key themes include ageism, protection against extreme climates, sex work recognition, and non-discrimination measures.
- What is the purpose of the extreme temperature protection proposal? The project aims to amend labor laws to protect workers exposed to extreme temperatures, both natural and artificial, by establishing a compensatory premium for prolonged exposure, mandatory preventive measures for employers, and first-aid training in employee development programs.
- What does the ageism initiative propose? This proposal seeks to ensure employment continuity for individuals over 60 by adding a new chapter to the Federal Labor Law, requiring employers to consider age-related characteristics and adopt necessary preventive measures.
- What are the non-discrimination proposals? Senator Reyna Celeste Ascencio Ortega presented two proposals. The first aims to include anti-discrimination norms in work regulations, focusing on inclusivity for people with disabilities, indigenous individuals, Afro-Mexicans, and LGBTQ+ community members. The second proposal incorporates non-discrimination based on “gender identities” into the dignified work principle.
- What does the sex work proposal entail? The initiative seeks to recognize sex work as legitimate for adults, provided it’s freely, consensually, independently performed without coercion. It promotes dignified working conditions and allows the STPS to create a voluntary registry for safe work zones, design public policies against human trafficking, and ensure access to health services.
