Introduction
The 13% increase in the minimum wage, effective January 1, 2026, presents a mixed outcome for Mexican workers. While it will benefit over 8.5 million people, it poses a challenge for drivers and couriers working on digital platforms.
Background on the Issue
The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) has been working on a pilot program to provide full access to social security for app-based workers. However, the recent minimum wage hike to 9,582.47 pesos per month presents a hurdle for these workers.
The Challenge
After deductions, which vary based on the type of vehicle used, many app workers do not meet the income threshold required for full social security access. As a result, they only receive work-related accident and illness coverage.
Current Situation
Out of over a million drivers and couriers who registered with the IMSS, only 164,205 met the net monthly income requirement. This discrepancy highlights the issue of deductions affecting those who barely meet or fall short of the registration amount.
Expert Opinion
According to legal expert Manuel Fuentes, digital platform companies charge users for social security costs, but only a small percentage of them actually have social security coverage. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of these deductions in ensuring workers’ social security access.
Minimum Wage and Actual Earnings
The average daily earnings for drivers and couriers is 393.9 pesos, which currently exceeds the minimum wage of 278.80 pesos. However, this figure does not account for deductions mandated by the digital platform reform or additional costs like fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Suggested Adjustments
Fuentes proposes that the social security condition should not be tied to the general minimum wage, especially in a year with wage increases that primarily benefit a significant portion of the population but disadvantage app-based workers.
He suggests that calculations for social security should consider the hours worked and actual income earned, ensuring a balance between working hours or time spent working.
Call for Regulatory Changes
Fuentes emphasizes the need for regulatory adjustments that prioritize workers’ full protection. He urges authorities and legislators to reconsider current practices, as they are not effectively benefiting the majority of platform-based workers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the minimum wage increase for 2026? The minimum wage will rise to 9,582.47 pesos per month in 2026.
- Who is affected by this increase? The increase impacts over 8.5 million workers, including app-based drivers and couriers.
- What challenges do app workers face with the new minimum wage? After deductions for vehicle types and additional costs, many app workers struggle to meet the income threshold for full social security access.
- What adjustments are suggested for regulations? Regulatory changes should consider hours worked and actual income earned to ensure fair social security access for all workers.
- Why are regulatory changes necessary? Current practices do not effectively protect the majority of platform-based workers, necessitating adjustments for improved worker welfare.
