Background on the Reformer: Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, has been instrumental in promoting this reform aimed at regulating digital platform work. Her efforts have led to the creation of new legislation that will enable a pilot program starting July 1st, benefiting more than 650,000 workers.
Pilot Program and Contract Registration
Mandatory Pilot Program: The new legislation will initiate a mandatory pilot program to assess the suitability of proposed business models and social security schemes for digital platform work.
Contract Registration: Companies like Uber, Didi, and Rapi will now be required to register their contracts with the Federal Center for Conciliation and Labor Registry. To facilitate this, a platform called “Siva-Contratos” has been established to ensure companies comply with the reform while safeguarding workers’ rights without disrupting operations.
Addressing Worker Concerns and Misinformation
Despite the progress made with the involvement of companies and workers, some delivery personnel have expressed concerns about unclear information from digital platforms.
Sergio Guerrero, General Secretary of the National Union for App-Based Workers, emphasized that “misinformation should not hinder the advancement of our labor rights.”
He also mentioned that there have been informational campaigns, including off-the-record interviews with Uber, attempting to misinform workers.
Guerrero further stated, “We are deeply concerned about today’s protests driven by disinformation campaigns initiated by the digital platforms operating in Mexico.”
Countering Alarmist Campaigns by Major Platforms
Three major digital platform companies in Mexico have released an alarmist statement to create fear and uncertainty among delivery workers and drivers.
This action has been accompanied by mobilizations led by minor groups posing as worker representatives, although they have been supported and instrumentalized by the companies themselves to oppose the labor reform implementation for digital platform work.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this reform? The reform aims to regulate digital platform work, ensuring secure and flexible jobs for over 650,000 workers.
- Who proposed this reform? The reform was promoted by Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City.
- What is the mandatory pilot program? A pilot program will be implemented to evaluate business models and social security schemes for digital platform work.
- How will companies comply with the new regulations? Companies must register their contracts using the “Siva-Contratos” platform and adhere to the new labor regulations.
- What concerns have been raised by workers? Some delivery personnel have expressed concerns about unclear information from digital platforms and misinformation campaigns.
- How have major platform companies responded? These companies have released alarmist statements and supported minor groups to oppose the labor reform implementation.
