Background on the Mexican Labor Reform Initiative
The Secretaría de Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) in Mexico planned to conduct national forums across the country to initiate a reform reducing the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours. However, these forums have been postponed until the second or third week of June.
Reasons for the Delay
The postponement is due to the Secretary of Labor, Marath Bolaños, along with a portion of her team responsible for confirming the forums, traveling to Geneva, Switzerland, to participate in the 113th International Labour Conference. Previously, Bolaños announced that the forums would commence nationwide starting June 2nd and conclude by June 7th.
Preparatory Work and Sectoral Meetings
The preparatory work for these discussions has been led by Luis Murguía, President of the Comisión Nacional de Salarios Mínimos (Conasami). Murguía has been engaging with various sectors to gather input and lay the groundwork for the reform.
Proposed Changes to the Workweek
The proposed changes include a gradual reduction in working hours. Specifically, the plan suggests implementing three additional hours over the first two years and then one hour per year until reaching 40 hours by 2030.
Sectoral Working Groups
In addition to the national forums, sector-specific working groups have been established to discuss and refine potential adjustments tailored to each industry’s needs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of these forums? The forums aim to gather input from various sectors and initiate discussions on reducing the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours.
- Who is leading the preparatory work? Luis Murguía, President of Conasami, is heading the preparatory efforts and engaging with different sectors to gather insights.
- Why were the forums postponed? The forums have been delayed due to Secretary of Labor Marath Bolaños and her team’s travel to the 113th International Labour Conference in Genebra, Switzerland.
- What are the proposed changes to the workweek? The proposal suggests a gradual reduction, implementing three extra hours over the first two years and then one hour per year until reaching 40 hours by 2030.
- Are sector-specific discussions taking place? Yes, sectoral working groups have been established to discuss and refine potential adjustments tailored to each industry’s needs.
