With over 1.2 million delivery drivers and rideshare workers now enrolled in the IMSS, the country hits a historic employment record and sets a global precedent for labor rights.
Mexico has become the first country in the world to grant full social security benefits to app-based workers, as part of a public policy aimed at ensuring universal access to labor rights. This landmark achievement has contributed to the nation reaching its highest employment rate ever recorded, with 23,591,691 formal jobs registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) as of July 31.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo celebrated the milestone during her morning press conference, highlighting that more than 1.2 million individuals—once labeled as “partners” by digital platforms—now have the right to healthcare, pensions, childcare services, and workplace accident protection, depending on their income level. “This marks a new chapter in the Fourth Transformation and sets an example for the world,” she stated.
Zoé Robledo Aburto, director general of the IMSS, reported that 90% of those enrolled are men, with 56% under the age of 35. He added that retired workers who continue delivering or driving for platforms can keep receiving their pension while contributing under Modalidad 40, allowing for additional retirement benefits.
Quiahuitl Chávez Domínguez, Undersecretary of Employment, clarified that the labor reform ensures workers are free to choose when and for which platform to work. Tech companies are now prohibited from charging for app usage, and penalties imposed on workers must be reviewed by humans—not algorithms. Importantly, she emphasized that this reform does not increase taxes.
In addition to this unprecedented step for digital platform workers, the government also reported a monthly increase of more than 24,000 new jobs in the construction sector, signaling strong and sustained recovery across various industries.
