Jorge Romero, president of Jucopo

The president of the Political Coordination Board in the Chamber of Deputies, Jorge Romero Herrera (PAN)highlighted the complexity of the legislative process faced by the constitutional reform proposal to reduce the 48 to 40 hour work day. Although the benches of the Low camera show agreement to approve the project, its entry into force this year is considered practically impossible.

Romero Herrera explained that, after being endorsed by the deputies, the proposal must go to the Senate, where it requires approval with a qualified majority of two thirds. However, as a constitutional reform, it must also be supported by at least 17 local conferences to formally become law. This complex legislative process makes it unlikely that the reform will be consolidated before the end of 2023.

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UNION AND EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES SEE FOR THE ECONOMIC GOOD OF THE COMPANY AND NOT FOR THE WORKERS

The proposal, debated in five Open Parliament forums in the Chamber of Deputies, has raised divergent opinions. During these meetings, union and employer representatives pointed out negative aspects and raised the need for provide incentives to companiesestablish limits on special shifts and overtime, and review salaries.

José Reynol Neyrasecretary of Political Action of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico, expressed his opposition to the ruling, arguing that it is not the right time to carry out the reform. He insisted on importance of conducting a study and broader debate, as well as the existence of favorable economic and social conditions. This, despite the fact that during the open parliaments studies were presented that show that the workers are in poor conditions due to long work hours.

REDUCTION OF WORKING TIMES COULD BE GRADUAL

From the American Chamber of Commerce, Alfredo Kupfer Domínguez stressed the need to know the opinions of employers, workers and federal and state executive authorities. He proposed to carry out the reform of gradual wayallowing companies to plan their adaptation and accompany it with comprehensive policies.

Angel Evaristo Celorio Guevaralegal coordinator of the National Committee of the CTM, He pointed out that the reform would force a review of salaries, warning that its scope could lead to a reduction in working hours or informality, contravening the objective of the reform.

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These statements have focused solely on the profits and losses presented by business owners, without taking into account the workers’ needs, who are the main reason why the reduction in working hours occurred.

Tomás Hector Natividad Sánchezmember of the Labor Commission of the Business Coordinating Council (CCE)urged to consider a progressive process and gradual that analyzes aspects such as taxes, formal employment costs, price of overtime, competitiveness and productivity, given the variability of the impact in different areas.