Background on the Situation
Since May 1, 2023, when Mexico City’s mayor Claudia Sheinbaum announced the implementation of a 40-hour workweek, the Sugar Workers’ Trade Union of the Mexican Republic (STIASRM) has been analyzing ways to apply this change without negatively impacting the income of its more than 24,000 members.
Who is Lorenzo Pale Mendoza?
Lorenzo Pale Mendoza is the General Secretary of STIASRM, representing sugar industry workers across Mexico. His role is crucial in ensuring fair labor practices and maintaining the livelihoods of his members.
The Challenge: Balancing Work Hours and Cane Crushing Cycle
The sugar cane crushing cycle lasts six months with a 56-hour workweek. Pale Mendoza explains that applying the new 40-hour workweek directly would require hiring an additional 500 workers, which is challenging due to labor shortages.
- Current Work Conditions: Workers currently receive a weekly salary plus double pay for working on Sundays, a 25% vacation bonus, and an extra day of pay at the end of the crushing cycle.
- Potential Impact of 40-hour Workweek: Implementing the new workweek would result in a nearly 40% reduction in salary for sugar industry workers.
- Lost Hours: Stopping work on weekends would mean losing 60 hours of production time, as preparatory tasks must be completed before and after weekend downtime.
Proposed Solution: Saturday Premium
Pale Mendoza suggests applying a Saturday premium, similar to the model used during the six-month off-season (reparación) when workers put in 40 hours and additional personnel are called in as needed.
- Saturday Premium Details: If the 40-hour workweek is implemented, workers would receive an extra day’s pay and a 40% premium for working on Saturdays, as stipulated in their legal contract.
- Benefits: This proposal would maintain workers’ income while adapting to the new workweek, supporting both employees and the struggling sugar industry.
Expected Sugar Production for 2024/2025
For the 2024/2025 cane crushing season, the industry anticipates producing approximately 4.7 million tons of sugar, similar to the 2023 production level.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current workweek in the sugar industry? The standard workweek in the Mexican sugar industry is 56 hours.
- Why is the STIASRM concerned about the new 40-hour workweek? Implementing the new workweek without adjustments could lead to a significant salary reduction for sugar industry workers.
- What is the proposed solution by STIASRM? STIASRM suggests applying a Saturday premium, providing an extra day’s pay and a 40% bonus for working on Saturdays.
- What is the expected sugar production for the 2024/2025 season? The industry anticipates producing around 4.7 million tons of sugar for the 2024/2025 season.
