Sindicalización y precariedad laboral en México

Resumen: en esta investigación se analiza la relación entre la sindicalización y la precariedad laboral en México, con una metodología cuantitativa, a partir de microdatos de la Encuesta nacional de ocupación y empleo del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía, así como con información de las juntas federales de conciliación y arbitraje de la Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social. A pesar de que los sindicatos han perdido fuerza y representación en México desde los años ochenta, los trabajadores afiliados tienen menor grado de precariedad que quienes no forman parte de ellos; cuentan con contratos más estables, sus condiciones salariales son mejores, tienen acceso a servicios de salud por motivos de su relación laboral, y otras prestaciones. Además, la precariedad laboral de las mujeres sindicalizadas es menor que la de los hombres.Palabras clave: sindicatos en México; precariedad laboral en México; mercado de trabajo en México; trabajo decente en México; huelgas. Unionization and labor precariousness in MexicoAbstract: this study analyzes the relationship between unionization and labor precariousness in Mexico by using a quantitative methodology based on micro data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography’s National Survey of Occupation and Employment, as well as information from the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare’s federal conciliation and arbitration boards. In spite of the fact the unions have lost strength and representation in Mexico since the eighties, union members have a lesser degree of precariousness than those who are not union members. Their contracts are more stable, their wage conditions are better, they have access to health services thanks to their labor relationships, as well as other benefits. Moreover, women union members’ labor precariousness is lesser than that of men’s.Key words: unions in Mexico; labor precariousness in Mexico; labor markets in Mexico; decent work in Mexico; strikes.

Religious Authority and Constitutional Order: A case study of the Conciliation and Arbitration Boards (CABs) of the Shia Imami Ismaili Community

This paper discusses the interpretation of the Constitution of the Shia Imami Ismailis via the constitutionally established institutions of the Conciliation and Arbitration Boards (CABs). It views the Constitution as a variety of non-scriptural “religious text” and discusses the social and historical context of the community, the Constitution and the CABs. The paper argues that the structure and operation of the CABs are designed to balance diverse local and contextual factors within the tradition and doctrine of singular Imamat authority and that, in so doing, the interpretational system of the CABs demonstrates how religious texts may be understood in ways that accommodate plurality and community engagement while still preserving hierarchy and authority.

The Industrial Relations Commission of Victoria: A Decade of Change

The Industrial Relations Commission of Victoria and its Conciliation and Arbitration Boards were established by the Industrial Relations Act 1979. The Act introduced some fundamental structural and procedural changes into the Victorian system, though the traditional emphasis on an informal and participatory approach to industrial regulation, which had made the system so distinctive, was preserved. Since 1979 many amendments to the Act and procedural changes to this system of industrial relations have been made. A number of the changes to the system may be characterized as cosmetic, as they do not affect the informal approach of the system. Others, however, are more intrinsic to the system, altering the structures, powers and operations of the tribunal. This paper examines the circumstances under which change has occurred, and it is argued that, in overcoming operational and jurisdictional problems, the changes of the last ten years have introduced a degree of formality into the Victorian Commission.

Arbitration as a Strike Substitute in Labour Negotiations - Public Policy Reconsidered

The writer examines the legislative framework of the binding arbitration procedure in Alberta. He then describes the practice of arbitration boards, from the impanelling stage to the rendering of the award. Information gathered through survey of the members of such boards, and of parties who have appeared before them, is set forth and discussed. The article concludes with an assessment of the effectiveness and proper role of compulsory arbitration as an alternative to other ,,iethods for the resolution of labour disputes.