Coahuila Ranks First Nationwide in Formal Employment

Coahuila has consolidated its position as Mexico’s leading state for formal employment, according to the latest results of the National Survey of Occupation and Employment (ENOE). Data from the survey shows that 66.7% of Coahuila’s workforce is employed in the formal economy, the highest rate nationwide and well above the national average of 44.6%. The result places the northern industrial state at the top of the national ranking for labor formalization.

The increase reflects a more stable labor environment, providing workers with access to social security, health services, and employment benefits that strengthen household welfare across the state.

Coahuila Minister of Labor Nazira Zogbi said the state climbed one position compared with the previous quarter, when formal employment stood at 65.8%. “An increase of one percentage point may seem modest, but it means that more than 13,000 workers entered the formal labor market,” Zogbi Castro said.

She attributed the improvement to the state government’s labor policies, which emphasize coordination among labor unions, private companies, academic institutions and civil society organizations.

Beyond formal employment, ENOE data also places Coahuila first nationwide in several key labor indicators. The state leads in access to health institutions, with 78.3% of workers affiliated, and ranks first in written employment contracts, with 76.8% of employees covered by legally binding agreements that provide job security. In addition, Coahuila stands out in labor benefits, with nine out of 10 workers receiving benefits beyond their base salary, reinforcing trust between employers and employees.

The state also ranks among the Top 10 states nationwide in wage levels. It placed fourth in the share of workers earning more than five times the minimum wage and sixth among those earning between three and five minimum wages. Meanwhile, the state ranked 28th in the proportion of workers earning less than one minimum wage, indicating that most employees earn above the legal minimum.

Zogbi Castro said the state will continue strengthening its labor market through strategies aimed at boosting competitiveness, formalization and access to better employment opportunities.

Mexico´s 2025 Labor Reforms Advance Worker Rights

MBN reported that In 2025, Mexico enacted significant labor reforms, including the full implementation of the Ley Silla and new regulations for platform workers. These changes mark a major step toward improving workplace safety, formalizing labor rights, and enhancing quality of life for employees across sectors.

The Ley Silla, which guarantees rest periods with seating for employees performing standing work, became fully enforceable in December. Employers are now required to update internal workplace regulations to ensure that chairs with backrests are available and that breaks are scheduled. Noncompliance can result in fines of up to MX$565,000 per violation. “We have a significant opportunity in education, culturally speaking,” said Jimena Sánchez, Founding Partner, Employment Legal Aid, as reported by El Imparcial. “The Ley Silla shows that results should not come at the expense of workers’ health.”

The reform applies across industries, from retail to manufacturing and services, emphasizing preventive occupational health. Evidence links prolonged standing with musculoskeletal and circulatory conditions, which can increase absenteeism and long-term costs. José Anaya, Deputy, PAN, has proposed clarifying amendments to define minimum rest periods and allow benches with backrests, while business groups have called for standardized guidance to ensure consistent enforcement.

Platform workers, such as delivery drivers and app-based service providers, also received recognition under new 2025 regulations. These workers are now formally considered employees with access to social security, health coverage, maternity and sick leave, housing contributions, and retirement savings. Digital platforms must disclose algorithmic processes that affect task assignments, performance ratings, and sanctions. Officials noted that 99% of platform workers operate through a single application, positioning Mexico among the first large economies to formalize protections for this segment of the workforce.

Other 2025 reforms addressed workplace equality and safety. Congress approved measures requiring training to prevent violence against women, strengthened labor inspections focusing on pay equity and tip protections, and clarified employer responsibilities across sectors. Collectively, these changes aim to close gaps in rights and protections, particularly in areas that had historically been informal or underregulated.