### Significant Job Losses Alarm Tijuana’s Industrial Sector as Vacancies Drop Over 30%
Tijuana – The local industrial sector in Tijuana is grappling with a substantial decrease in job opportunities, attributed to a confluence of internal factors and international political developments. Data from the Tijuana Industrial Human Resources Association (ARITHAC) reveals that from September 2023 to September 2024, the number of job vacancies plummeted from 15,000 to just 8,000, marking a concerning decline of over 30%.
Obdulia Rodríguez, president of ARITHAC, highlighted the worrying trend, emphasizing how vital job availability is to the economic wellbeing of the city. “Employment opportunities are the backbone of our city’s economy. When people are gainfully employed, it translates to reduced crime rates and a healthier community as individuals can better support their families and contribute to society,” Rodríguez stated.
The decline in job vacancies has been accentuated by recent elections in Mexico and the ongoing electoral process in the United States. Additionally, the conservative approach of multinational corporations towards investment in Mexico has impacted the job market. Another crucial factor cited is the surge in automation and the increasing demand for specialized positions across various industries.
The September 2024 National Employment Survey by INEGI also reflects a broader trend, with the manufacturing sector seeing a reduction of over 23,000 jobs in the second quarter of the year alone.
### Secondary Article
**Rising Automation and Political Uncertainty Impact Mexican Jobs Market**
Recent reports have shown that the Mexican job market is experiencing turmoil due to rising automation and political uncertainties both domestically and in neighboring countries. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) highlighted that the manufacturing sector has been significantly affected, shedding tens of thousands of jobs in recent quarters.
In Tijuana specifically, the job market has contracted sharply, with the number of available positions dropping by more than 30% within a year. Industry experts attribute this decline to a cautious investment approach from international corporations, primarily influenced by electoral outcomes and ongoing political shifts.
ARITHAC’s president, Obdulia Rodríguez, voiced concerns that the automation trend and specialized job requirements are reshaping the employment landscape, making it increasingly challenging for less specialized labor to find suitable positions. This shift necessitates a rethinking of workforce development and skills training to better align with market demands and technological advancements.