Jalisco’s Achievements in Labor Reconciliation
According to Ricardo Barbosa, the head of Jalisco’s Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STyPS), Jalisco has become a leading example in labor reconciliation during the first half of 2023. A total of 2,366 reconciliations were successfully carried out from January to July, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Jalisco’s Standing Among Mexican States
Barbosa highlighted that Jalisco accounts for 7.2% of the pre-trial labor agreements in Mexico, as per INEGI data. This places Jalisco among the top states utilizing this mechanism, alongside Nuevo León, Sonora, and Mexico City.
Impact of Labor Reconciliation
Barbosa explained that nationally, 402,194 pre-trial labor agreements were signed in 2023, a 12.8% increase from 2022. Concurrently, labor disputes decreased by 42.9%, demonstrating that reconciliation is an effective tool for labor peace and reducing costly litigation for workers, companies, and the state.
Leading Municipalities in Jalisco
Barbosa pointed out that the Labor Reconciliation Center in Jalisco has experienced significant growth, with Guadalajara, Zapopan, Puerto Vallarta, Tlajomulco, and Tlaquepaque leading the way.
Importance of Reconciliation
Barbosa emphasized that the rise in reconciliations directly correlates with a decrease in lawsuits. As more cases are resolved through reconciliation both nationally and in Jalisco, fewer disputes reach state and federal courts. He stressed the importance of exhausting reconciliation avenues before resorting to litigation in labor matters.
Relevance of Labor Reconciliation under New Frameworks
Barbosa underscored the necessity of labor reconciliation functioning effectively, especially under the framework of the Mexican Labor Reform and the USMCA. He warned that if reconciliation fails, it could lead to a collapse of the labor judicial system implemented in Jalisco in 2023, as seen in previous administrations.
Upcoming International Forum on Labor Reconciliation
First International Forum on Labor Reconciliation in Puerto Vallarta
Given the significance of labor reconciliation, the first International Forum on Labor Reconciliation will take place in Puerto Vallarta on September 4th and 5th. The forum, themed “Labor Reconciliation as a Driver of Well-being and Economic Growth,” will feature experts from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Argentina.
Additionally, the National Meeting of Mexico’s Conciliation Centers (CONACENTROS) will occur during the event, solidifying this gathering as a crucial platform for analyzing and strengthening the Mexican labor model.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is labor reconciliation? Labor reconciliation, or conciliación laboral in Spanish, is a process that aims to resolve disputes between workers and employers outside of the court system, promoting peace, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Why is Jalisco a leader in labor reconciliation? Jalisco has seen a 12% increase in reconciliations from January to July 2023, accounting for 7.2% of Mexico’s pre-trial labor agreements. This growth is attributed to the state’s commitment to resolving disputes through reconciliation rather than litigation.
- What is the significance of the upcoming International Forum on Labor Reconciliation? The forum will bring together experts from Mexico, the US, Canada, and Argentina to discuss labor reconciliation’s role in fostering well-being and economic growth. It will also serve as a platform for strengthening the Mexican labor model through the National Meeting of Conciliation Centers (CONACENTROS).
