This afternoon, at the office of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Mexico and Cuba, the project "Strengthening industrial relations in Mexico: Labour dispute prevention and access to labour justice with a gender approach" was launched. The aim is to enhance access to labour justice in Mexico, focusing particularly on promoting freedom of association and collective bargaining, while integrating a gender perspective.
By strengthening the capacities of tripartite actors (government, employers, and workers) and members of the labour justice system (both judicial and non-judicial), the project seeks to support the implementation of the labour reforms of 2017 and 2019 and foster inclusive and equitable labour relations at both federal and state levels (in selected states across the country).
This project, funded by the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), will enhance the implementation of best practices for the prevention and resolution of labour conflicts by building capacities among tripartite actors and labour justice institutions (judicial and non-judicial).
Additionally, it aims to improve the effectiveness of labour justice services in labour courts and conciliation centres at both federal and state levels through the implementation of a self-diagnostic tool and the development of tailored improvement plans for each participating organization in the selected states.
Finally, the project will work to strengthen the gender perspective in industrial relations to support the consolidation of labour reform by creating gender indicators and awareness strategies. It also seeks to promote female leadership in unions and industrial relations to reduce the gender gap in these areas.
This work will involve training on collective bargaining, freedom of association, and conflict resolution, the implementation of a self-diagnostic tool in labour justice institutions (both judicial and non-judicial), and the sensitization and strengthening of indicators as well as the collection and systematization of gender data in the labour market and union participation.
Key partners include the Secretary of Labour and Social Welfare, the Federal Centre for Conciliation and Labor Registration (CFCRL), as well as actors in the labour justice system (labour courts and conciliation centres) at both federal and various state levels. The participation of workers and employers and their representative organizations is also anticipated.
Present at the project launch were Pedro Américo Furtado de Oliveira, Director of the ILO Office for Mexico and Cuba; Rakesh Patry, General Director of International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs; Kimberly Thornton, Director, Trade and Labour Affairs; José Carlos Bazán, Deputy Director of Trade and Labour Affairs - Labour Attaché of Canada; and Sandra Carrizosa, ILO Project Coordinator.
In this context, Pedro Américo Furtado de Oliveira stated that "with this project, based on tripartite social dialogue, we will provide support and technical assistance to our constituents to consolidate the labour justice system that has been envisioned for the country".
"With this project, based on tripartite social dialogue, we will provide support and technical assistance to our constituents to consolidate the labour justice system that has been envisioned for the country"
He added that "considering that the ILO is discussing the possibility of a technical meeting on access to labour justice in 2025, this project will surely contribute with inputs for Mexico's participation in that discussion".
© ILO Mario Lugo
"Canada is joining countries around the world to protect workers' rights, and to make sure all workers have the safe, respectful workplaces they deserve. By providing targeted support to our trading partners, we're working to make these kinds of workplaces a reality around the world.", shared the Minister of Labour and Seniors of Canada, Steven MacKinnon.
As a result of this project, it is expected that labour relations in Mexico will be strengthened, and that tripartite actors will be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities within the new labour justice model, with an inclusive approach that promotes gender equality.
