La Jornada November 17, 2001 By David Zuniga

Carlos Abascal Carranza, the labor Secretary of State, affirmed today that the Mexican industry is "a model of the new working- class culture" that the Vicente Fox government pretends to establish, and that it is "something we must be proud of." During a business meal with the National Council of the Exportation Industry (CNIME), Abascal Carranza -- who calls its president, Rolando González Barrón, a "personal friend", and considers him an "important promoter" of these companies -- assured that these firms are being demonized with accusations of exploitation, discrimination and unhealthy working conditions. He stated that the vast majority of these accusations were false. He admitted however that such situations could exist, but maintained that most of the allegations were false and that they referred to isolated cases.

Abascal explained that the industry has remained a pioneer in the application of measures such as technical standstills and the reduction of working days in order to maintain the industry alive while making up for lost time, which could occur during the second semester next year. Regarding the solution applied recently to the sugar industry, Abascal announced that it would be the first step in starting to revise the running of this industry and those governed by similar systems like the textile industry.

One of those changes should consist of the elimination of the current salary scale.

Abascal assured that the government would consult the CNIME and other organizations in order to reform the Federal Law on Labor, and to rule out the strictness in the hiring and payment of employees, as it is vital for attracting investments. He nevertheless promised to respect social rights. He announced furthermore that, from November 21st to 23rd, executives from the CNIME would held a meeting with employees from the State Cabinet for the industry in Los Pinos from November 21st to 23rd. The meeting is designed to study the perspectives offered in the sector.

Intensive negotiation of minimum wages

Regarding the negotiations on the raise of minimum salaries, Abascal forecast that they would be intense, and reiterated that the Fox government would resume neither to high salaries nor to State syndicalism. On the contractual laws, Abascal explained that they would be revised according to the actual situation of each company. On that subject, Abascal remembered that the automobile firm Nissan-Renault has accorded raisins from 15 to 20 per cent. However, he added that, this year, all parties would have to act with "moderation".

On the other hand, Abascal explained that Mexico ignores peace in matters of labor since that of the 30 strikes that exploded, 16 were resolved. Of the 14 remaining ones, 12 are practically insoluble because of the non viability of the firms. For these, other way outs would be looked for. Translated from Spanish by Caroline Rabemanantsoa on January 16, 2002.