Why Minimum Wage Hikes Fall Short of a Dignified Life
Despite minimum wage increases and average income figures, a significant portion of the Mexican population faces economic precarity due to incomes insufficient to cover basic needs amidst rising costs of living, labour market informality, and stark regional and gender disparities.
Despite recent adjustments to the minimum wage, a significant portion of the Mexican population continues to grapple with incomes insufficient to cover basic necessities, according to recent data that paints a challenging picture of economic reality for millions. The disconnect between official income figures and the actual cost of a dignified life underscores deep-seated issues within the labour market and regional economic disparities.
Data compiled from sources including the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and analyses by institutions such as the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL) highlight a persistent struggle for many Mexican households. While the general minimum wage stands at M$248.93 per day (or M$7,467 a month), rising to M$374.89 along the northern border, these figures often fall short of the income required to acquire the basic food and non-food basket (Canasta Alimentaria y no Alimentaria) necessary for a minimal standard of living.
