Introduction
The 13% increase in the minimum wage, effective January 1, 2026, presents a mixed bag of benefits and challenges. While it will benefit over 8.5 million people, it poses a hurdle for drivers and couriers working on digital platforms.
The Challenge for App Workers
With the new minimum wage of 9,582.47 pesos per month, workers’ purchasing power will improve. However, this increase also presents a challenge for app-based drivers and couriers seeking full access to social security through the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS).
Understanding the Discounts
The discounts play a crucial role in determining whether workers have full access to social security. The regulation mandates deducting a percentage from the gross income based on the type of vehicle used. This has been a problem for those who qualify and those who don’t.
Income Thresholds for Full Access
Manuel Fuentes explains that workers need to double or triple their income to meet the minimum wage threshold. Of over a million drivers and couriers who registered with the IMSS, not all reached the required threshold. Consequently, they only gained access to work-related accident and illness insurance.
Current Situation and Required Changes
The average daily income for drivers and couriers is 393.9 pesos, which exceeds the current minimum wage of 278.80 pesos. However, this figure doesn’t account for the mandatory deduction from digital platform reforms or additional costs like fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Suggested Regulatory Adjustments
Fuentes proposes that the minimum wage condition for social security access should not be tied to the general minimum wage, especially in a year with wage increases that benefit a significant portion of the population but disadvantage app-based drivers and couriers.
Proposed Calculation Method
He suggests that the calculation should consider worked hours and earned income, with adjustments for varying work schedules. This would ensure fairer social security access for all app-based workers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new minimum wage? The new minimum wage is 9,582.47 pesos per month.
- Who is affected by this change? The increase impacts app-based drivers and couriers seeking full social security access through the IMSS.
- What challenges do app workers face? They must double or triple their income to meet the new minimum wage threshold, which may not cover additional costs like fuel and vehicle maintenance.
- What regulatory changes are proposed? The proposal includes tying social security access to worked hours and income rather than the general minimum wage.
