Second Forum on Implementing 40-Hour Workweek Begins in Nuevo León
Marath Bolaños, Mexico’s Secretary of Labor and Social Prevision, emphasized the importance of gathering concerns and contributions from all sectors during the second forum on implementing a 40-hour workweek in Nuevo León.
Gathering Input for Significant Reform
Bolaños stated, “A profound transformation requiring time… must be carried out gradually. Therefore, we need to make important and significant changes.” He addressed representatives from various sectors and industries.
Governor Samuel García’s Support
Samuel García, the governor of Nuevo León, accompanied Bolaños during the forum’s opening. He stressed the importance of defending and considering workers’ rights, saying, “It’s always a good time to prioritize balance while offering fiscal incentives that each federal entity can propose as businesses transition to the 40-hour workweek.”
Gradual Implementation and Fiscal Incentives
García highlighted the need for careful planning, execution, and gradual implementation of significant reforms. He mentioned that Nuevo León, being Mexico’s industrial hub, understands the importance of this reform and must be consensual with industries, employers, and unions.
“We want to improve workers’ lives, giving them leisure time without distorting the broader economy,” García explained. He instructed the creation of a committee for gradual 40-hour workweek implementation and tasked the state treasury with developing a fiscal incentives package for businesses adopting this new work schedule.
Ensuring a Beneficial Reform
Bolaños expressed hope that this reform would benefit everyone, stating, “We aim for a win-win situation… This necessary reform will grant workers a better quality of life, as seen in other countries with the 40-hour workweek.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Marath Bolaños? Marath Bolaños is Mexico’s Secretary of Labor and Social Prevision, responsible for overseeing labor policies and social security programs.
- Why is this reform significant? The proposed 40-hour workweek aims to improve workers’ quality of life, offering them more leisure time and aligning Mexico with other countries that have successfully implemented similar reforms.
- What are fiscal incentives? Fiscal incentives are tax benefits or reductions offered by governments to encourage specific behaviors, such as businesses adopting the 40-hour workweek.
- Who else supports this reform? Governor Samuel García of Nuevo León supports the reform, emphasizing balance and fiscal incentives for businesses transitioning to the new work schedule.
