Historical Increase in IMSS Registrations
In July, there was a historic surge in registrations at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), with 1,266,025 new workers joining, bringing the total number of formal jobs to 23,591,691 in Mexico. This development opens the door for a fundamental right: unionization.
Recognition of Digital Platform Work
With the official recognition of work on digital platforms, those workers who have already taken steps towards formalization by registering with the IMSS can now pursue unionization. Claudio Martínez, an associate at D&MAbogados, stated in an interview: “This progress will enable them to demand and defend their collective work rights, which stem directly from the recent labor reform.”
The Path to Unionization for Platform Workers
Martínez emphasized that workers in digital platforms now have the right to unionize. He added, “In the coming months, we will start seeing collective bargaining issues related to digital platforms. Combined with social security, these young individuals in the digital economy will gain greater protection and rights through union representation.”
Current Platform Worker Demographics
It’s worth noting that initial data from the pilot program shows 80% of platform workers are employed by a single platform, totaling 146,137 individuals. Furthermore, 74% of platform workers rely on this employment as their primary income source, contradicting the notion that it’s merely supplementary income.
Recent Unionization Trends
Since the 2019 labor reform, 600,000 individuals have joined unions in the past six years. This trend could change if platform workers seek unionization.
Recommendations for Digital Companies
Martínez advised digital market companies to begin registering their workers with the IMSS for protection through social security. He also stressed the importance of participation in the pilot program to identify areas for improvement and support for the IMSS, making access to social security more effective for everyone.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of this development for IMSS workers? This surge in registrations at the IMSS provides an opportunity for over a million workers to exercise their right to unionization, which could lead to better working conditions and protection.
- Who are the platform workers mentioned, and why are they relevant? Platform workers refer to individuals employed by digital marketplaces such as ride-hailing, food delivery, or freelance platforms. They are relevant because their numbers have grown significantly and now represent a substantial portion of the workforce, prompting discussions about their rights and protection.
- What changes can be expected if platform workers unionize? Unionization could lead to improved working conditions, better wages, and increased job security for platform workers. It may also encourage digital marketplaces to provide additional benefits and protections.
- Why is the IMSS registration crucial for platform workers? Registering with the IMSS grants workers access to social security, which includes benefits like healthcare, pensions, and unemployment insurance. This registration is essential for platform workers to exercise their rights and access these benefits.
- What role does the labor reform of 2019 play in this scenario? The 2019 labor reform officially recognized digital platform work, paving the way for platform workers to join unions and access social security benefits.
