By Francisco Gama
On Tuesday, February 20, a reform project to the Federal Labor Law was presented in the Senate of the Republic, suggesting an increase in the minimum days of Christmas bonus to which any worker is entitled. Going from the current minimum of 15 days of salary to 30.
The reform initiative, presented by senator Napoleon Gomez Urrutia of the Morena party, is justified, through a study showing how the delivery of this benefit to workers is managed in different countries.
It takes as examples countries like Uruguay and Brazil, where employers are required to grant a Christmas bonus of 12% of the earnings obtained throughout the worked year; while Paraguay grants a minimum of 25 days, Bolivia a minimum of one month and fifteen days of salary, and Peru establishes a minimum of one month of salary.
It also argues that the proposed increase is due to Mexico being among the countries where more time is dedicated to work and that the “bonus” received at the end of the year is not proportional to the hours worked.
It also ensures that the reform will dignify the rights of working people, guaranteeing them a better quality of life for both them and their families, which, it adds, will also benefit and strengthen the productive sector.
If approved, this reform would also have a direct impact on current labor relations, as it would imply an increase in worker-employer contributions, generating additional expenses for the employer since article 27 of the Social Security Law mentions that the base salary of any worker includes, among other elements, the benefits given to them for their work performed.
Therefore, companies would not only see this increase reflected in the benefits given at the end of the year, but from the very moment a labor relationship begins, as this increase must be taken into account to manage the base salary of any worker.
If approved, the initiative would come into force the day following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation, in accordance with its transitional articles.
At Vega, Guerrero & Asociados, we provide advice on the scope and application of this labor reform and how it can affect companies and their workers. We are at your service to ensure that you are always up to date with the new legal provisions.
