Labor Trends, Equity, and AI Progress: This Week in Talent

The Ministry of Labor addressed the gender pay gap at the 'Closing the Wage Gap in Mexico' meeting. Additionally, the Senate designated October 1, 2024, as a federal transition holiday for presidential inaugurations. A proposed labor reform could also provide employees with 10 paid days for elder care. In industry trends, a Buk survey revealed significant employee dissatisfaction in key areas.

Internationally, G7 Labour Ministers focused on the inclusive integration of AI, while a Lean In and McKinsey report highlighted substantial disparities in gender parity. Furthermore, OpenAI appointed Leah Belsky to enhance AI in education and align curricula with workforce needs.

This Week in Talent:

Mexico

Authorities Look for Strategies to Close Mexico’s Wage Gap

In observance of International Equal Pay Day, Mexico's Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) hosted the Closing the Wage Gap in Mexico meeting, led by Quia Chávez, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labor Productivity. Chávez stressed the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including business entities, organized labor, and international bodies, to drive further progress in transforming Mexico's labor landscape.

Senate Names Oct. 1 as Federal Transition Holiday

In a unanimous vote of 117 in favor, the Mexican Senate has approved a measure designating Oct. 1, 2024, as a mandatory holiday. The holiday will be observed every six years in recognition of the federal executive transition. This decision aligns the Federal Labor Law with a 2014 constitutional reform, which moved the presidential inauguration date from Dec. 1 to Oct.  1.

Mexico's Labor Reform Proposes 10 Paid Days for Elderly Care

MORENA has proposed a reform to Mexico’s Federal Labor Law to give employees 10 paid days off annually to care for elderly family members, aged over 60 years. This initiative, led by Senator Luisa Cortés García, addresses the growing need for elder care as Mexico’s population ages. The reform would also require the government to set regulations for accessing this benefit through social security, filling a gap in current labor protections. 

Buk Survey Reveals Employee Dissatisfaction in Mexico

Buk’s "Work in Progress 2024" survey identified significant gaps in employee satisfaction in Mexico, underscoring the need for HR departments to reevaluate their strategies. The survey included over 3,000 employees from Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, and found that Mexican employees report the lowest satisfaction levels in key experience areas.

International 

G7 Labour Ministers Reaffirm Commitment to AI Integration 

The G7 Labour and Employment Ministers (LEMM) have renewed their support for the Global Coalition for Social Justice, led by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The coalition highlights the importance of an inclusive approach to the changing world of work. At the meeting, the role of social dialogue and collective bargaining in the development and deployment of AI was emphasized. 

Industry Developments 

Racial Struggles Hinder Gender Parity

The latest Lean In and McKinsey report reveals disparity in gender parity progress: while white women might achieve workplace equality in 22 years, women of color face a 50-year wait. This highlights the urgent need for companies to address systemic barriers and provide effective, persistent, and sustainable support to all women. 

OpenAI Boosts AI Integration in Education

OpenAI has appointed Leah Belsky, former Coursera executive, as chief education officer to enhance the integration of AI in educational settings. In her new role, Belsky will lead partnerships with education institutions, promoting the use of tools like ChatGPT. This appointment highlights OpenAI's commitment to supporting educators and aligning educational initiatives with industry needs to develop a skilled talent pipeline, reports Bloomberg Linea.