Mexico's gig workers struggle to access social security despite new labor laws
Mexico's gig economy faces fresh challenges despite recent legal changes. A new labour model, introduced in January 2024, was meant to extend yourtexasbenefits to digital platform workers. Yet only a small fraction of these employees now qualify for full coverage under the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
The gap stems from strict income thresholds and complex salary calculations, leaving many without access to essential protections.
Under the updated Federal Labor Law, gig workers can now receive social benefits if they meet certain earnings criteria. However, the bar is set high: to qualify for full IMSS coverage, a worker must earn nearly 19,000 pesos per month. This figure far exceeds Mexico's minimum wage of around 9,500 pesos.
Adding to the difficulty, not all earnings count towards a worker's declared salary. For example, car users face a 48% exclusion rate on their income. A worker earning 10,000 pesos in a month may only have 5,200 pesos recognised as their official salary. As a result, just 10% of the 1.2 million gig workers in Mexico earn enough to access full benefits.
The instability doesn't end there. Frequent shifts in IMSS enrolment—workers joining and dropping off the rolls—create further complications. This volatility affects other benefits, such as those from the National Workers' Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit). Authorities note that, while the required income can be achieved with fewer hours than a traditional job, the reality for most remains out of reach.
Rappi Mexico has argued that exclusion percentages should be reassessed. The company suggests basing adjustments on pilot program results and the flexible nature of gig work. Still, no official statistics yet confirm how many workers have successfully secured full social security since the regulation took effect.
The new legal framework has opened the door to benefits for gig workers, but high thresholds and income exclusions limit access. With only 10% currently qualifying, the system's impact remains uneven. The ongoing instability in enrolment also risks disrupting housing and other linked benefits for those who do qualify.
