S01E20 - What’s Going on in Mexico – Turning Labor Relations on It's Head?

Welcome to the Wild Side, a podcast that discusses the world of modern employee relations ten minutes at a time. This podcast is about one of the most turbulent countries in the world in terms of the current Employee Labor Relations climate, Mexico. In this episode, host Alan Wild offers insight on the immediate and important decisions almost every company in Mexico needs to make. Alan is the Global Affairs Director of the HR Policy Association, the leading voice of chief human resources offices today.

In 2019, Mexico’s unique and long-standing version of trade union recognition and collective bargaining was disrupted. Understanding both what is happening today and what is at stake is key for companies seeking to make sound decisions and avoid pitfalls such as the most damaging strike the world has seen in recent times in the border city of Matamoros. It was organized by a lawyer on social networks and involved 90,000 workers in 90 companies. The strike secured a massive pay raise and led to the formation of a brand new industrial trade union in Mexico. Let’s look at the sweeping changes that will be implemented until 2024, the deep-rooted trade unions, and the old labor code in this interim country profile.   

Key Takeaways: 

• Mexico’s old Labor Code: A Historical Summary. [3:35]
• What new Mexican laws hoped to accomplish. [5:49]
• The red, white, and new unions. [6:19]
• The Matamoros strike led to the 2032 Settlement Agreement. [8:10]
• Mexico’s Labor Code reform. [10:29] 
• Three issues in Mexico companies need to get right. [12:19]
• Tips for an Employee Relations Specialist serving Mexico. [13:15]