In the face of the complex scenario facing the maquiladora industry, CATEM is betting on training and qualified labor because protecting jobs is key to strengthening productivity and keeping Mexico on the path to growth. said the General Secretary of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico (CATEM), Pedro Haces Barba. The federal deputy from Morena also pointed out that the deseasonalized¹ figures for employed personnel in establishments with an IMMEX program (manufacturing, maquiladora and export services program), decreased by 4% in the last year. According to INEGI data, these jobs in such manufacturing establishments fell from 2 million 939 thousand 872 to 2 million 821 thousand 93. This is due to commercial uncertainty, the unilateral tariffs imposed on us by the neighboring country's government, which has led to a halt in investment due to the insecurity caused by the lack of clarity in trade relations with the United States. Haces Barba recalled that until a good agreement is reached on this matter, when the renegotiation of the USMCA¹, which is underway, is concluded—and in which most Mexicans bet, wishing the country well—we will not regain the climate of trust needed for investment projects to move forward. The federal legislator added that, according to information from the National Council of INDEX, another aspect is the automation of processes, which in the short term implies an impact on the hiring and training costs for companies, although in the long term it will result in lower costs. "The problem is complex, so the participation of all sectors is needed to generate better conditions for the growth of the economy, investment, and the level of employment in Mexico, with each one doing their part according to what corresponds to each one: government, business sector, and workers. That is the task we have ahead of us," he concluded.
