## Workers March for Shorter Work Hours in Tijuana
A group of workers staged a march on Sunday, September 1st, in Tijuana, advocating for the reduction of the current 48-hour workweek to 40 hours. The peaceful demonstration commenced at the Cuauhtémoc Roundabout, proceeded to the Tijuana Cultural Center (Cecut), and concluded at the Municipal Palace Plaza.
Participants carried signs with messages such as “Mental health is a labor right” and “Social justice, 40 hours.” Miguel Ovalle, a member of the National Front for the 40 Hours, explained that the march included workers from across Mexico who are pushing for reduced work hours in the maquiladora industries.
Ovalle stressed the importance of leisure time for mental health, stating that working more than 8 hours daily is detrimental to both productivity and health. He highlighted that workers face greater risks when exhausted and mentioned instances of deaths due to work-related stress. He pointed out that some employees work over 12-hour shifts, occasionally without pay.
Ovalle reminded that the labor reform, aiming to cut work hours, has been delayed 17 times over the past 13 years. He urged the new Congress to prioritize workers’ needs over business interests. He noted that the International Labour Organization has recommended a 40-hour workweek since 1940, suggesting that fewer hours could improve living conditions.
In Mexico, advocates are striving to reduce work hours by at least five, arguing that a gradual reduction from 48 to 42 hours would be beneficial for the mental health of the workforce. “Living with less stress is essential for all Mexicans,” Ovalle asserted.
—
### Industry Responds to Potential Work Hour Reduction
In related news, the construction industry is preparing for the potential reduction of work hours. Companies in Tijuana, predominantly maquiladoras, are assessing how a shorter workweek might impact productivity and operational costs. The construction sector, represented by Comice TTR, expresses cautious optimism, suggesting that decreased hours could lead to improved worker well-being and enhanced productivity, though concerns about financial implications persist.
Sources indicate that the reduction in work hours could necessitate significant adjustments in labor management and could spur shifts towards automation in various industries. With the decreasing costs of robotics, some companies might opt to integrate more automated systems to maintain efficiency, potentially affecting employment rates in labor-intensive sectors like the maquiladoras.
For more updates on this evolving story, stay connected with TJGringo.com.