Juan Carlos Velasco, activist of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM), highlighted the relevance of reducing the working day as an act of social justice for the country’s employees. From his perspective, the measure would not only benefit the health and well-being of workers, but also improve productivity and work efficiency.
“The reduction of working hours is necessary as a social, labor and human aspiration; Applied correctly, it will allow the employer sector to have more productive and committed workers, without occupational risks, improvements in health, reduction of stress and promotion of efficiency,” he said during his speech at the fifth open parliament on this reform and which was organized to hear the voices of both businessmen and representatives of the working class.
Velasco argues that Mexico can no longer be recognized simply for its cheap labor, advocating for decent wages and benefits for Mexican workers. However, he recognizes that the approval of the initiative must be accompanied by training and support programs for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
Businessmen ask for a gradual implementation
Denisse Álvarez, a microentrepreneur who sells oat products to Costco, HEB, City Market, Fresko, Walmart, Mega, Chedraui, Soriana, Superama and Delicatessen, advocates for a gradual implementation of the proposal. Despite being in favor of improving the quality of life of workers, the businesswoman
“Implementing the reform as proposed, immediately, can jeopardize the same project that we have done with so much love and effort to improve benefits for our people,” he said during his participation in the fifth open parliament on this reform.
47.2% of the companies consulted by Expansion consider a period of 6 to 12 months appropriate, while 11.1% suggest that the process should extend for more than two years, underlining the need for a gradual approach. Only 25% advocate a period of less than six months.
According to the entrepreneurs consulted, the most significant challenge, if the initiative is approved, would be the reorganization of teams and tasks (58.3%), followed by the additional costs associated with implementation (30.6%).
This Monday, November 13, the open parliament forums aimed at debating the proposal to reduce the working day from 48 to 40 hours per week in Mexico concluded. Although the discussion and vote is expected in the coming days, the resulting decision could have a considerable impact both on the balance between workers’ work and personal life and on the country’s business dynamics.
Today, 58.3% of the companies consulted believe they are prepared in terms of costs and personnel to comply with the reduction in working hours, while 41.7% still feel unprepared.