Friday, September 12, 2025

Only 3% of domestic workers enjoy social security benefits

The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that domestic workers must must have access to social security benefits like any other worker, but only 3% actually do, according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

Belén Sanz Luque, Mexico representative of UN Women, said that 97% of Mexico’s 2.2 million domestic workers – most of whom are women – are employed informally and don’t receive benefits such as health care and paid vacations.

“It’s concerning that not all domestic workers have their work rights guaranteed,” she said.

Salaries for such workers, commonly known as muchachas, remain low. Sanz told the newspaper Reforma that the 3% of maids who are employed formally earn an average of 206 pesos (US $10) per day.

To raise awareness about domestic workers’ rights in Mexico, the United Nations has launched a campaign called “Es lo justo” (It’s only fair).

“We’re seeking to generate awareness about the situation in which domestic workers live,” Sanz said, noting that their employers have a legal obligation to guarantee access to social security benefits.

With reports from Reforma 

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
gas tanker after explosion

Horrific gas tanker explosion in Mexico City claims 8 lives, injures 90

3
The accident occurred on a busy highway in the Iztapalapa borough of Mexico City when a gas tanker crashed and exploded, sending out huge flames that engulfed dozens of vehicles.
Navy sailors stand guard next to packages of cocaine, displayed between two navy ships

Navy seizes 1,600 kilos of cocaine off the coast of Guerrero

9
More than 48 metric tons of cocaine have now been confiscated since President Sheinbaum took office last October, authorities say.
Steering wheel of a BYD brand chinese electric car

Facing US pressure, Mexico to raise tariffs on Chinese cars to 50%

15
Mexico will increase the tariff on Chinese cars to the maximum level permitted by the World Trade Organization, Economy Minister Ebrard said Wednesday.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity