**ESSA’s Director Advocates for Better Management of Overtime**
In light of recent protests, the head of the Salt Export Company (ESSA), Moisés Poblanno Silva, has emphasized the necessity for strategic planning regarding the allocation and utilization of overtime hours at the company. He stressed that his proposal does not infringe upon the existing collective labor contract but seeks to organize the use of overtime more effectively with union leaders.
Poblanno Silva pointed out that the current agreement stipulates payment for a full eight-hour shift even if only 15 minutes are worked, which he argues is a financial burden on the company and taxpayers. In total, overtime costs the company approximately 200 million pesos annually, irrespective of the actual hours worked.
This initiative, according to Poblanno Silva, aims to foster an efficient use of public and financial resources within ESSA, aligning with responsible fiscal policies. Additionally, he noted instances where unionized employees are reported to earn over 30,000 pesos weekly due to bonuses and overtime, raising internal financial concerns.
The director also acknowledged the challenges following the nationalization of the company in 2024, which led to a backlog of 2.7 million tons of salt due to the withdrawal of the Japanese partner who previously managed sales. As of now, the entirety of the 2025 production has already been sold, marking a recovery path for the company.
Poblanno Silva expressed confidence in ESSA’s renewed trajectory and the positive outlook for the future.
**Secondary Report: Broader Concerns of Labor Union Contracts**
This push for overtime reorganization at ESSA highlights a broader issue within labor union agreements across various industries in Mexico. In numerous instances, contracts have been criticized for provisions that don’t necessarily align with operational efficiencies or fiscal prudence.
Analysts suggest that revisiting collective labor contracts could save significant public funds and improve company efficiency without compromising workers’ rights. These discussions are part of a growing national dialogue about modernizing labor relations in a way that aligns with both employee welfare and economic viability.
Some industry leaders advocate for more flexible frameworks that allow adaptation to changing economic contexts while ensuring fair compensation. This effort reflects a wider trend toward optimizing operational practices in publicly funded companies, drawing interest and scrutiny from multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, workers, and the public at large.