Within the framework of the publication of the project Diagnosis of the Labor Situation of the Automotive Sector in Mexico, implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) , in collaboration with the University of Celaya and the National Auto Parts Industry (INA) , the results of the longitudinal study were presented that highlights the impact of the labor reform in the automotive sector, and how companies in the sector have adopted the provisions of the reform and Chapter 23 of the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC), with the purpose of improving labor relations and promoting regulatory compliance.
The document assessed progress on key issues such as freedom of association, gender equality, prevention of violence and discrimination, as well as social dialogue .
“This analysis will allow us to design specific training to close the identified gaps and support the transition to a more inclusive and democratic work culture,” said Edgar Lee, project director.
The assessment included a quantitative survey of 261 companies and in-depth interviews with 26 industry leaders. Among the companies assessed, 59% are large organizations with more than 250 employees, while 30% are medium-sized and 11% are small. The study also included an assessment by region and company size to identify specific trends.
Ana Cuevas, a researcher at the University of Celaya, pointed out that 75% of the companies surveyed have already legitimized their collective contracts , and 76% obtained an approval level between 81% and 100%, “which reinforces transparency and union democracy,” she said.
He also noted that companies reported significant progress in violence prevention and freedom of association , both evaluated with an average of 4.3 out of 5 points.
“The automotive sector has stood out compared to other sectors in the modernization of its unions and in compliance with labor regulations, although traditional practices persist in some cases,” said Roberto Kuhlmann, a researcher at the University of Celaya.
On the other hand, Cuevas indicated that, despite an increase in the participation of women in operational and administrative areas, gaps persist in leadership positions. She also said that large companies have more structured policies, while small companies present specific efforts , “such as flexible schedules and breastfeeding rooms, but they lack institutional strategies,” she added.
Regarding the prevention of violence and discrimination, the implementation of NOM-035 has strengthened policies on this issue, however, challenges related to work stress persist due to the dynamics of the industry and just-in-time deliveries .
“Where there are clear regulations, such as NOM-035 and the labor reform, more concrete progress is observed,” Kulhmann added.
Despite progress, the assessment revealed that smaller companies face difficulties in implementing comprehensive strategies, especially in areas of gender equality and social dialogue. In addition, less regulated areas such as the prevention of discrimination require greater attention.
Edgar Lee added that over the next 20 months, the PADF will intensify training efforts to close the identified gaps and support companies in the transition to a more inclusive and law-compliant work culture.
According to experts, the study shows notable progress in regulatory compliance, but underlines the need for greater investment in comprehensive labor strategies, especially for small and medium-sized companies.
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