In a context where the digital labor market is undergoing a profound change, questions arise about how to protect the most vulnerable workers in this new environment. Digital platforms, which have introduced a labor model characterized by flexibility and autonomy, have excluded millions of workers from conventional labor rights.
"How can we ensure that these platforms comply with legislation without generating additional costs for workers?" is one of the key questions in this scenario. Given the risk that workers may be left unprotected, the need to reform the social security system is raised, which currently does not adapt to the new labor paradigm.
To address these challenges, different measures have been proposed. One of them is the implementation of a tax on automation, which aims to tax the profits derived from the replacement of workers by technology. Additionally, the importance of transparency in algorithms that determine workers' tasks and income is highlighted to avoid biased decisions.
In the specific context of Mexico, where a large part of the population works in the informal sector, social security based solely on direct labor contributions becomes unfeasible. Therefore, the need to explore new sources of funding to strengthen this system and ensure the protection of all workers, regardless of their form of employment, is proposed.
The recent labor reform approved in Mexico in December 2024 represents a significant step towards recognizing the labor relationship between digital platforms and their workers. However, challenges still persist in the supervision and effective regulation of these companies, which often operate under complex tax structures to evade responsibilities.
In this scenario, proposals such as universal basic income and unemployment insurance gain relevance as mechanisms to ensure a minimum income and social protection for the entire population, especially in a fragmented labor market marked by precariousness.
In summary, the challenge of adapting social security and labor regulations to the new digital environment requires a comprehensive approach that considers the protection of all workers, transparency in processes, and effective oversight of platforms, in order to guarantee dignity and justice in 21st-century work.
