Background on the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and its Relevance
The Secretaría de Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) is set to make adjustments in October to a pilot program targeting workers from digital platforms. This initiative aims to ensure that these platform workers fully access all insurance offerings provided by the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).
Who is Alejandro Salafranca and Why is He Relevant?
Alejandro Salafranca, the director of Trabajo Digno at STPS, has been instrumental in overseeing this pilot program. His insights and updates are crucial for understanding the progress and future adjustments to this initiative.
Key Developments in the Pilot Program
During July and August, approximately one million workers were registered by digital platform companies. Among these, 15% to 18% worked for more than one platform, though the unique individuals remained around one million.
- Around 133,000 workers reached the net minimum wage, enabling them to become subordinated and formalized employees with access to Infonavit and five IMSS insurance policies, costs covered by platform companies.
- 99% of platform workers who achieved subordination and formalization did so for a single platform, debunking the myth that most work for multiple platforms simultaneously.
Upcoming Changes in the Program
The first trimester of the pilot program concludes in September, and adjustments will be made in October. STPS can modify the percentage factors used to measure compliance, specifically the difference between gross and net salary.
- Category A has a 36% factor, Category B has 30%, and Category C has 12%. These could be modified in October.
- The goal is to ensure that the definitive factors, effective in January, are not identical to the provisional ones. This strategy aims to build confidence in the sector, prevent increased costs for platforms, and encourage job creation.
Concerns from the Unión Nacional de Trabajadores por Aplicación (UNTA)
The Unión Nacional de Trabajadores por Aplicación (UNTA) expressed concern as only one in ten platform workers accessed complete security social benefits. Sergio Guerrero, UNTA’s general secretary, highlighted that of over 980,000 individuals benefiting from the reform, only 133,000 surpassed the net monthly income threshold and accessed the full security social regime.
- Despite work-related risk coverage for all, the majority remain excluded from essential rights like general medical attention, childcare, retirement savings, or disability pension.
- UNTA warns that the current implementation does not guarantee the universal access promised. The so-called exclusion percentages—reducing recognized income by up to 60%—create a structural barrier for rights recognition.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the purpose of the STPS adjustments to the pilot program?
- A: The adjustments aim to ensure that digital platform workers fully access all insurance offerings provided by the IMSS.
- Q: How many platform workers have accessed complete security social benefits?
- A: Only about one in ten platform workers have accessed complete security social benefits, with 133,000 reaching the net minimum wage threshold.
- Q: What concerns does UNTA raise regarding the current program implementation?
- A: UNTA is concerned that the current implementation does not guarantee universal access as promised. Exclusion percentages create a barrier for rights recognition.
