**Robotics in Industry to Boost Worker Salaries: Insights from Arhitac**
In recent years, Tijuana’s industrial sector has seen a significant rise in the adoption of advanced technology, with automation leading the charge. Obdulia Rodríguez Sánchez, President of the Human Resources Association of the Industry in Tijuana (Arhitac), explains that this shift towards the use of robots in production processes is positively impacting the workforce.
Contrary to the common misconception that automation leads to job loss, Rodríguez highlights that it presents a unique opportunity for local workers. With approximately 90% of companies in Tijuana incorporating automation in their operations, these technologies are not just about efficiency but also about enhancing worker capabilities. Learning to manage robotic processes equips the workforce with new skills and offers them better salaries.
“This is not about being a low-cost labor region; it’s about leveraging these technologies to train our people, helping them develop specialized skills,” Rodríguez emphasized. Automation, while replacing certain risky jobs, actually leads to better economic outcomes and upskilled labor.
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**Increased Inspections at Maquiladoras Following Workplace Accident**
In light of a recent accident at Prime Wheel, inspections have ramped up across Tijuana’s maquiladoras. This heightened scrutiny reflects a broader initiative to ensure worker safety and compliance with technological advancements. It’s a reminder that with the incredible potential of automation, there is also a need for rigorous oversight to protect workers.
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**Tijuana’s Maquila Job Market Poised for Growth**
Looking ahead, Tijuana’s maquiladora sector anticipates a job market upswing starting in January. This growth aligns with the increased automation in the industry, suggesting a potential rise in both job opportunities and the skill set required for new and existing positions.
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**Industry Concerns on Upcoming Wage Increases**
As discussions about a potential 12% wage hike in 2025 continue, industry leaders are wary of the possible impact on prices. While automation provides benefits like efficiency and better-skilled workers, the proposed salary adjustments introduce complexities that businesses are keenly observing.
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**Workplace Safety: A Growing Concern**
Recent data also highlights safety as a pressing issue. Estimates indicate between 5,000 to 5,500 workplace accidents occurred in 2024 alone, with the most recent fatality on November 5 at a Tijuana recycling plant. This underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures alongside technological growth.
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**Addressing Disappearances in Baja California**
The State Attorney General’s Office in Baja California faces challenges with only 15 agents dedicated to investigating disappearances, pointing to a significant need for resource allocation to address this alarming issue.
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**Community and Law Enforcement Updates**
Violence and safety continue to be in focus with recent events such as a fatal shooting in the San Antonio de los Buenos district and an assault in downtown Tijuana. Conversely, the city bids a sorrowful farewell to the iconic Centro Musical of Tijuana, closing after 70 years due to the owner’s health challenges.
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**Tijuana’s Weather Forecast**
For the upcoming Sunday, Tijuana residents can expect clear skies, with temperatures likely to peak at 24°C, offering a pleasant day for locals and tourists alike.