The minimum wage is not enough for a dignified life, say 90% of Mexicans in a survey
Jared Laurels
Newspaper La Jornada
Wednesday, November 23, 2022, p. twenty
Nine out of 10 Mexican workers consider that the country’s minimum wage is insufficient to lead a dignified life, according to a survey by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
The consultation also reveals that 58 percent of employees face difficulties getting ahead, since they do not have enough for basic expenses such as housing, food and electricity, while 36 percent responded that they can save a little.
The 2022 Global Survey of the ITUC –made up of more than 300 unions in the world, with headquarters in Belgium–, which was applied in 17 countries on different continents and represents 2.2 billion people over the age of 18, indicates that on a global scale globally three quarters of people said that the minimum wage in their country is not enough to lead a dignified life: Bulgaria (91 percent), Argentina (88 percent) and Brazil (84 percent). He also points out that financial stress is high, with 77 percent saying they are worried about the cost of living and 66 percent worried that people are losing their jobs.
In the past two years in Mexico, due to the covid-19 pandemic, a member of more than half of the families has lost their job or their working hours have been reduced. Meanwhile, four in 10 people believe the next generation is unlikely to find a decent job.
In addition, seven out of 10 workers believe that it is important for unions to play an active role.
The ITUC document, prepared during the administration of Sharan Burrow and whose successor is Luca Visentini, warns that the rights of workers are in danger, violence and harassment are on the rise and the population is afraid to denounce corporate malpractice .
Faced with this situation, employees demand a new social contract based on six demands: employment, rights, wages, social protection, equality and inclusion. Additionally, 68 percent of people want their government to work for wage increases.
