Introduction to the Mexican Government’s Proposal
The Mexican government’s proposal to reduce the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030 is ambitious, yet not impossible to achieve, according to Jorge Mario Martínez Piba, Director of the CEPAL office for Mexico.
CEPAL’s Perspective on the Workweek Reduction
In an interview with El Economista, Martínez Piba emphasized that the reduction of working hours is part of a national vision focused on people’s well-being and business competitiveness.
He acknowledged that Mexico’s proposed timeline is ambitious, considering the numerous policies involved. However, he pointed out that other economies have successfully reduced their workweek without negative consequences.
Gradual Implementation and Dialogue
Martínez Piba highlighted the importance of a gradual approach and social dialogue involving the private sector, unions, international organizations, and academia.
“I foresee a very positive outcome due to the collaborative environment among sectors and shared goals of enhancing well-being,” he stated.
He stressed the need for complementary measures, such as improved access to credit, better machinery, and flexible work arrangements.
Relevance of Dialogue Forums
The CEPAL representative explained that ongoing dialogue forums in Mexico will help generate a comprehensive proposal addressing labor issues, transportation, tax incentives, increased production, and inclusion of underrepresented groups.
“These forums are crucial because in Mexico, men predominantly engage in formal employment. This workweek reduction could potentially free up more time for men, encouraging them to take on more caregiving responsibilities,” he noted.
Martínez Piba also suggested analyzing metrics to promote greater male involvement in caregiving, thus improving gender balance.
Tailored Policies for Mexican Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Mipymes)
Martínez Piba stressed that Mexican Mipymes require sector-specific and size-differentiated policies to maintain competitiveness during the workweek reduction.
He emphasized that Mipymes worldwide, including those in Mexico, are crucial to the economy, generating most employment and business activity.
“Sector-specific policies should be implemented gradually, possibly accompanied by support or incentives like voluntary tax breaks for some companies to pilot the process of replacing lost hours with increased capital investments,” he suggested.
Martínez Piba pointed out that Mipymes typically have fewer employees, lower turnover rates, and limited capacity for expansion. Therefore, support is vital for their successful implementation of reduced work hours.
“The impact varies by sector, as some Mipymes operate five to seven days a week without closure, while others have different schedules,” he explained.
The CEPAL representative concluded that Mexico’s proposed approach, involving social dialogue and gradual implementation with potential sector-specific differentiation, is appropriate for facilitating Mipymes’ continued growth and efficiency without negatively impacting their operations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Mexican government’s workweek reduction goal? The goal is to reduce the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030.
- Is this goal achievable, according to CEPAL? Yes, Jorge Mario Martínez Piba, CEPAL’s Director for Mexico, believes it is achievable with a gradual and socially-driven approach.
- What complementary measures are needed for successful implementation? Martínez Piba highlighted the importance of improved access to credit, better machinery, and flexible work arrangements.
- Why are tailored policies necessary for Mipymes? Sector-specific and size-differentiated policies are required to ensure Mipymes maintain competitiveness during the workweek reduction.
- How will dialogue forums contribute to the process? Ongoing dialogue forums in Mexico will help generate a comprehensive proposal addressing various aspects of the workweek reduction.
