Background and Relevance
Marath Bolaños López, the Secretary of Labor and Social Prevision (STPS), kicked off a forum in Jalisco, emphasizing that the proposed reform to reduce the workweek to 40 hours is a significant change requiring time for implementation.
Union Perspectives
Immediate Implementation Advocated:
Union representatives in Mexico, such as Francisco Hernández Juárez from the National Union of Workers (UNT), called for immediate and widespread adoption of the 40-hour workweek.
Hernández Juárez pointed out that Mexico still predominantly follows a 48-hour workweek or more. He argued that reducing the workweek is feasible, allowing workers more time for family and leisure activities.
He noted that some government entities already operate on a 40-hour workweek without compromising their productivity. Furthermore, Mexico’s trading partners like the United States have already adopted new work processes through negotiation with workers.
Hernández Juárez urged productive sectors to modernize the national production plant and labor relations, encouraging innovation and adopting new technologies such as information and communication technology. This would help address the challenges posed by the global economy.
Moreover, this shift would bolster rights related to care and youth inclusion, supported by workweek proposals like the 40-hour workweek.
Academic Viewpoint
Luis Ignacio Román from the University of Nayarit asserted that for a long time, it has been established that “working less to work more” is the solution, addressing those who question the relevance of reducing working hours.
Román highlighted Mexico’s wage precarity as a significant issue, noting that working hours have remained unchanged for centuries.
He pointed out that current productivity levels bear no resemblance to those of a century ago. Mexico, in the international context, is among the countries with the longest working hours and fewest rest days, which he deemed a serious concern.
Román argued that Mexico is not competing with OECD economies but rather with nations having harsher labor markets.
He stressed that the discussion should focus on the applicability conditions rather than whether reducing working hours is advantageous.
Román also advocated for supporting small businesses, which are the primary job creators in Mexico. According to INEGI data, 45% of employed individuals work in microenterprises, with 31% working over 48 hours weekly and 16.8% over 56 hours.
Closing Remarks
Ricardo Barbosa, head of the STPS in Jalisco, summarized the forum’s outcome: “We agree on what to do; we lack how to do it, so we must find a way.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the main topic of discussion at the STPS forum in Jalisco? The primary focus was the proposal to reduce the workweek to 40 hours.
- Why is the reform considered significant? It represents a profound change in labor practices requiring time for implementation.
- What arguments did unions present? Unions advocated for immediate and widespread adoption of the 40-hour workweek, citing feasibility and benefits for workers’ personal lives.
- What perspectives did academics offer? Academics emphasized the need for modernization in labor practices, addressing wage precarity and long working hours, while advocating for small businesses.
- What was the consensus at the forum’s conclusion? Participants agreed on the need for change but recognized the necessity to determine practical implementation methods.
