Introduction to the Pilot Program
On Tuesday morning, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) published the “General Rules for the Pilot Program to Include Digital Platform Workers in the Mandatory Social Security Regime” in the Official Gazette of the Federation.
Relevance and Background
Sergio Guerrero, General Secretary of the National Union of Workers for Application (UNTA), emphasized that this step marks a significant milestone in the labor reform implementation for digital application workers.
Key Aspects of the Pilot Program
- Universal Initial Affiliation: All digital platform workers must be registered with the IMSS from the first month, using a minimum wage as their base salary, ensuring coverage from the start.
- Monthly Determination of Social Security Contribution: Digital platforms must report monthly which workers meet the minimum income requirement (equivalent to a monthly minimum wage in Mexico City) to maintain their social security coverage.
- Coverage for Work-Related Risks Even if Minimum Income is Not Met: Workers who do not meet the income requirement will still be covered in case of work-related accidents or illnesses during their tasks on the platform.
- Transparency in Contributions and Payments: Obrero-patronal quotas must be calculated, withheld, and paid by digital platforms no later than the 17th of each month. Afiliator movements must be submitted within the first five days of the month.
- Class IV Occupational Risk Classification: This high-risk classification acknowledges the inherent risks associated with these jobs.
- Compatibility with Pensions and Modality 40: Those already receiving pensions will continue to do so, and those registered for voluntary continuation (Modality 40) will not lose this benefit.
Pilot Program Duration and Future Legislation
The pilot program will last 180 natural days, starting July 1, 2025, and will serve as the foundation for constructing definitive secondary legislation.
Remaining Issues
Guerrero also pointed out that the percentage of the Monthly Net Income (INM) to be considered as the cotization base remains undecided. This is crucial for ensuring that most workers can effectively access social security.
He stressed that these rules are general and part of a transition process that should be rigorously observed, with commitment from platforms, authorities, and workers’ organizations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this pilot program? The pilot program aims to evaluate, in practice, the IMSS’s insurance mechanisms for riders, drivers, and other individuals who work through digital platforms.
- What are the key aspects of this pilot program?
- Universal initial affiliation with a minimum wage base
- Monthly determination of social security contributions
- Coverage for work-related risks even if the minimum income is not met
- Transparency in contributions and payments
- Class IV occupational risk classification
- Compatibility with pensions and Modality 40
- How long will the pilot program last? The pilot program will run for 180 natural days, starting July 1, 2025.
- What issues remain unresolved? The percentage of the Monthly Net Income (INM) to be considered as the cotization base is still undecided.
