Flexibilidad del trabajo: discurso y construcción social

Abstract

Throughout this article different theories and experiences on labor flexibility in Mexico are presented. The text begins with a summary of the main theories andarguments on labor flexibility in Latin America . Subsequently, the Mexican case and its different stages are analyzed: 1) the period from 1980 to 1992 is a stage which features a unilateral flexibility and the implementation of a new economic model, 2) from 1992 to 1994, a new flexiblity is attempted to create with the participation of unions but still managed by companies, and 3) from 1995 on, an alliance between enterprises and unions has been sought through the signing of productivity agreements, without much success, and significant dissensions in the official labor unionism have appeared. Among other aspects, this work shows that low wages comparative advantage still plays a determining role and is one of the factors which has caused a lack of modernization in exporting firms in Mexico. In addition, the article argues that characteristics of the Federal Labor Law, collective agreements, different company strategies for modernization, and the peculiarities of industrial relations and the Mexican political system explain the causes for the limited expansion of labor flexibility in Mexico.