Key Labor Unions in Agreement on Gradual 40-Hour Workweek Implementation
Major labor unions in the country, including UNT, CTM, CROC, CROM, and CTC, have agreed that the reform to establish a 40-hour workweek should be implemented gradually, without any salary reduction or affecting existing benefits. They emphasize that the reform’s priority should be family well-being and work-time reorganization, while carefully considering the implementation pace to avoid negatively impacting productive sectors with varying operational capacities.
Unions Seek Unified Stance Before Legislative Discussion
During a press conference by the General Association of Workers (AGT), representatives from UNT, CTM, CROC, CROM, and CTC confirmed their commitment to a unified position before the formal legislative discussion begins in Congress during November.
Key Aspects for Reform Consideration
- No salary reduction or impact on benefits, regardless of the implementation pace.
- Gradual application with a maximum transition period of two years, taking into account each sector’s operational capacity.
- Constitutional safeguard to prevent future regulatory flexibility or arbitrary reductions.
- Differentiated mechanisms for the 18 million workers without collective contracts, who lack negotiation rights.
- Review of the tax regime for overtime and benefits to avoid making it unaffordable for companies or discouraging formal employment.
- Mandatory productivity committees in collective contracts, linked to compensation and performance.
Union Perspectives on the Reform
CROC highlighted the social aspect of the measure: “Workers need time for their families; they currently spend up to four hours daily commuting, which amounts to 52 days per year that could be spent with their children,” said Isaías González.
CROM warned that without fiscal adjustments, the reform cannot be implemented uniformly. Meanwhile, CTC representatives emphasized that the reduction should not be considered separately from the productive and training framework.
The Monte de Piedad representation stressed that the reform also has a social purpose: “Family coexistence is the best educational tool; no public policy can replace parental presence.”
Unions to Present Unified Document Before November
The organizations confirmed they will work on a unified document before November to present it to Congress. “If we don’t go in unison, there won’t be favorable outcomes,” they stressed, noting that legislative negotiation will determine the new model’s legal and operational viability.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main proposal by the unions? The unions propose a 40-hour workweek with gradual implementation and full salary, prioritizing family well-being and work-time reorganization.
- How do unions plan to approach the legislative discussion? Unions aim for a unified front and will present a unified document to Congress before the formal discussion begins in November.
- What key aspects must be considered in the reform? Key considerations include no salary reduction, gradual implementation, constitutional safeguards, differentiated mechanisms for non-contract workers, tax regime review, and mandatory productivity committees.
