Study Details and Key Findings
According to a study by the Consejo de Cámaras Industriales de Jalisco (CCIJ), 85% of industrial companies in Jalisco anticipate negative consequences if the reduction of the workweek from 48 to 40 hours per week is approved. The survey reveals that 65% of the business owners estimate a cost increase between 10% and 30%, depending on their sector. Furthermore, 40% of these companies believe that adjusting their labor structure will take at least a year.
Empathy for Workers’ Conditions, Request for Gradual Implementation
While acknowledging the importance of improving workers’ conditions, the industrial sector has requested a gradual and well-planned implementation of this reform. Fernando Acosta Hernández, vicecoordinator of the CCIJ, emphasized this need for flexibility and proper planning.
“We want to express the necessity for gradual models with adequate planning,” Acosta Hernández stated. He also mentioned that, based on studies from the International Labour Organization (ILO), reducing work hours could potentially increase employee productivity when accompanied by efficient organizational processes and improved work-life balance.
Positive Outlook on Dialogue Tables
Javier Zepeda, president of the Cámara de la Industria Alimenticia de Jalisco (CIAJ) and vicepresident for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (Pymes) of Confederación de Cámaras Nacionales de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo (Concanaco Servytur), expressed optimism about the dialogue tables convened by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STyPS) at the federal level. These tables will commence on June 2, involving companies, unions, and government representatives.
“We hope that empathetic measures from the government will emerge, ensuring a gradual implementation of this reform and providing opportunities for businesses facing various challenges,” Zepeda said.
Concanaco Servytur’s Proposed Implementation
Zepeda outlined Concanaco Servytur’s proposal for the reform’s implementation, which is scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2030 in phases. The plan includes reducing work hours by half a day each year until 2029, starting with a one-hour reduction in 2023.
“Begin by reducing work hours in large companies, then proceed to medium-sized enterprises, and finally implement the changes in small and microenterprises by 2030,” Zepeda suggested. Another option is to start with large companies as pilot projects, assess their performance, and then gradually introduce the changes to other sectors.
Concanaco Servytur’s third proposal involves implementing the reform sector-by-sector, allowing each economic sector to adapt accordingly.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern of Jalisco’s industrial sector regarding the reduced workweek? The primary worry is the potential negative impact on their operations, including increased costs between 10% and 30%, depending on the sector.
- How do industrial companies view the proposed reform? They support gradual implementation and proper planning to ensure a smooth transition.
- What is the outlook of the industrial sector on dialogue tables? There is a positive expectation that these tables will facilitate empathetic measures from the government and ensure a well-planned reform.
- What are Concanaco Servytur’s proposed implementation strategies? They suggest phasing in the reform between 2025 and 2030, starting with large companies and then moving to smaller enterprises. Another option is to implement the changes sector-by-sector.
