Context and Relevance of Domestic Workers’ Struggle
Domestic workers, a crucial sector of Mexico’s economy, often work more than 48 hours per week, surpassing the standard 40-hour workweek. Norma Palacios Talamala, the general secretary colegiada of the National Union of Domestic Workers (SINACTRAHO), emphasized their need for inclusion in the proposed 40-hour workweek reform.
Gender Disparities and Precarious Salaries
Palacios Talamala highlighted that many domestic workers are heads of households, facing even more precarious salaries than other working women. She explained that achieving a dignified job is more challenging for them due to these gender-based particularities.
Legislation Ignored, Rights Violated
According to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), the number of registered domestic workers has decreased by 924 in May compared to the previous month, marking two consecutive months of decline totaling 3,769 fewer workers.
Palacios Talamala stated that employers fail to comply with their obligation to register domestic workers with the IMSS, leaving these workers without protection and subjected to wage and social security rights violations.
Employer Excuses and Lack of Responsibility
Employers argue that registering domestic workers with the IMSS is too expensive, but Palacios Talamala pointed out that the salaries they offer are already inadequate. She called for direct, strong, and forceful appeals to employers who cannot afford their workers’ wages to refrain from hiring them.
SINACTRAHO’s Efforts for Formal Employment
Palacios Talamala mentioned that SINACTRAHO is working to create conditions for domestic workers to access formal employment, focusing on professionalization and completing basic education.
The union has been educating domestic workers about the Federal Labor Law and security social matters for a decade, ensuring they understand and exercise their rights.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main concerns of domestic workers? Domestic workers, primarily women and often heads of households, work long hours (more than 48 per week) with precarious salaries. They seek inclusion in the proposed 40-hour workweek to secure better working conditions, wages, and access to social security.
- Why are domestic workers’ rights being violated? Employers fail to register domestic workers with the IMSS, denying them protection and subjecting them to wage and social security rights violations. Additionally, employers use the excuse of high registration costs while offering inadequate wages.
- What is SINACTRAHO doing to help domestic workers? SINACTRAHO educates domestic workers about labor laws and social security rights. They also work to create conditions for formal employment, focusing on professionalization and completing basic education for their members.
