The 60%, 50% and 15% contribution percentages established for the pilot program for digital platforms have proven to be highly effective, significantly benefiting the workers that depend on this activity as their primary source of income and, at the same time, avoiding the transfer of costs to consumers.
This, according to an analysis conducted by labor specialists at D&M Abogados, who specified that “since its implementation, this model has brought formality and dignity into the sector, as demonstrated by the affiliation to the IMSS of 1,046,000 drivers and delivery workers in its first month, an unprecedented figure that has granted access to social security to more than 3.5 million Mexicans.”
In this regard, Héctor de la Cruz maintained that the factor of 60% in the calculation of the net income has been a determining factor in reaching this goal, maintaining the equilibrium between labor inclusion and the sustainability of the sector.
He added that the Federal Supreme Court of Justice (SCJN) has upheld the importance of maintaining a balance between protecting the worker and the viability of employer obligations. “The use of 60% in the calculation of the net income complies with this principle by granting labor rights and giving dignity to each person while enabling the viability of the sources of employment.”
In accordance with the specialist, who participated in the “Labor Update for Digital Platforms” forum, “lowering this percentage would distort the model, including people who do not have this activity as their ‘modus vivendi’ or who have other sources of income.
It is worth recalling that, in a press conference, the head of the Unit for Dignity in Labor, Alejandro Salafranca, informed that, three months after the pilot program for digital platform workers began, some adjustments will be made, and this could entail changes in the contribution percentages established in July.
“The objective is that the definitive factors which will come into effect in January are not identical to the provisional ones. This strategy seeks to generate trust in the sector, avoid an increase in costs for the platforms and encourage the creation of jobs”, Salafranca stated.
For his part, De la Cruz said that “the current percentages have proven effective as they allow digital platform companies to maintain their business model, preventing capital contraction or flight due to the absence of favorable conditions in the country. With few exceptions, companies have not had to pass the increase in costs to consumers. A reduction of these percentages could force companies to increase their fees which, in turn, would reduce the demand for their services and this would affect the workers indirectly.”
