Uber, Other Ridesharing Companies Consider Benefits For Drivers In Mexico

Ridesharing and delivery companies are considering offering social security benefits to workers in Mexico. This is the first time companies such as Uber, DiDi and Rappi have offered benefits in Mexico.

The companies released a statement Wednesday that was co-signed by worker-rights activist groups in Mexico. It said that the companies were willing to cover social security benefits for drivers and couriers who worked an average of 40 hours or more per week across either one or more of the platforms.

There was no mention in the statement if drivers would be classified as employees rather than independent contractors.

Ridesharing and delivery apps have pushed back before against classifying their drivers as employees, but the Mexican Labor Ministry is working on a bill that is meant to regulate the gig economy.

Labor Minister Luisa Alcade has stated that officials are working in order to present the bill before the end of the year so that gig workers can be brought into the "formal economy" and ensure fair pay.

Tonatiuh Anzures, DiDi's government affairs director in Mexico, said that "it's time to take the next stop and find a point of consensus...and start improving conditions."

Anzures said that any changes made by DiDi would have to depend on further talks and government backing.

Nicholas Sanchez, Uber's head of public policy in Mexico, said that the ride-sharing app was "open" to the extra costs, but hoped the costs would be low. He added that it would be preferable if the industry were allowed to maintain a certain amount of flexibility.

Mexico's labor ministry has not made a statement about the recent deal.