Background on Rafael Olivos Hernández and His Role
Rafael Olivos Hernández, the current leader of the Syndicate of Health Workers of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), successfully negotiated changes to the collective labor contract for the first time in his tenure. This achievement is significant as it reflects the trust placed in him by the workers he represents.
Voter Participation and Approval
Approximately 246,000 workers, constituting 82% of the total 300,000 votes cast, supported these changes. The voting process was conducted through 1,330 consultation centers, ensuring a free, secret, and direct vote by the protected workers under the Collective Contract of Work (CCT).
Key Benefits in the New Contract
- Cláusula 77 Maternidad: Extends the period for extraordinary rest or reduced working hours to breastfeed from 183 to 365 days.
- Cláusula 81 Préstamos para el Fomento de la Habitación: Reduces the minimum years of service required for home loans (from 5 to 3 years) and medium-term personal loans (from 3 to 2 years).
- Cláusula 97 Anticipo de Sueldo: Grants an additional month of salary advance or loan, with up to four months interest-free, deductible over 40 pay periods.
- New Cláusula 157: Introduces employer complementary contributions to individual worker accounts for those who joined after 2008 under the Afores scheme, starting at 1.25% in October 2025 and increasing to 5% by 2028.
- Cláusula Transitoria 38: Strengthens and complements the invalidity pension scheme for Base, Substitute, and Confianza B workers of the “New Generation,” ensuring at least 50% of their last monthly base salary and maintaining medical coverage.
Salary Increase
As part of the contract review, which occurs every two years, an 8.1% salary increase was agreed upon. This increment consists of a direct 3.1% addition to the pay scale and a 5% increase in concept 11 (economic benefits linked to salary).
Reactions from Sindical Leaders
Olivos Hernández expressed his satisfaction with the workers’ decisive participation, stating that these advancements mark a historic milestone in labor benefits and reinforce the pension scheme for the “New Generation” of IMSS workers.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who negotiated the contract changes? Rafael Olivos Hernández, the current leader of the Syndicate of Health Workers of the IMSS.
- What percentage of workers supported the contract changes? Approximately 82% of the 300,000 workers who voted.
- When do the new contract benefits take effect? The new benefits will be implemented starting October 16, 2025, and will remain in effect until October 15, 2027.
- What are some of the key benefits included in the new contract? These include extended maternity leave, reduced years of service for home loans, salary advances, employer contributions to worker accounts, and improved invalidity pensions.
- What salary increase was agreed upon? An 8.1% salary increase, composed of a direct 3.1% addition to the pay scale and a 5% increase in concept 11 (economic benefits linked to salary).
