Speculation about the minimum wage by 2025 is increasing, with a possible increase of up to 12%. (Image: Cuartoscuro / Crisanta Espinoza Aguilar)
As the year 2025 approaches, expectations and doubts grow about the adjustment to the minimum wage in Mexico. With the increase in the cost of living and inflation as key factors, the country’s workers expect an increase that will allow them to improve their purchasing power. In this context, it is important to understand what factors influence the determination of the minimum wage and what the projections are for next year.
According to the Federal Labor Law, the minimum wage is the amount that a worker must receive for a full day of work, and must be sufficient to cover the basic needs of a family. This includes not only food and housing, but also education and other essential services.
This salary is determined annually by the National Minimum Wage Commission (CONASAMI), a body that includes representatives of the government, workers and employers. CONASAMI evaluates various economic and social factors, such as inflation and the labor market context, to define the corresponding adjustment.
The northern regions of the country, such as the Northern Border Free Zone, could experience an even greater adjustment due to the high cost of living in that area. (EFE/ José Méndez)
In 2024, the minimum wage in Mexico experienced a significant increase. The general salary was set at 248.93 pesos per day, which represented an increase of 20% compared to the previous year. In the Northern Border Free Zone, which covers the states bordering the United States, the salary reached 312.42 pesos per day. This adjustment was especially relevant in the northern regions of the country, where the cost of living is higher due to higher prices of goods and services.
Although there is still no official consensus on the exact adjustment, various sources suggest that the minimum wage in 2025 could rise to reach 2.5 basic baskets, which would imply an increase of close to 12% compared to current levels.
The elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has mentioned her intention for the minimum wage to get closer to this objective: “The increase in the minimum wage will continue in agreement with everyone, you already heard it,” she declared on October 1. This would bring the general salary to around 278.80 pesos per day, while in the Northern Border Free Zone it could reach 419.87 pesos per day.
CONASAMI, in charge of determining the minimum wage in Mexico, will evaluate various economic and social factors before making the 2025 adjustment. (REUTERS/Edgard Garrido/Illustration)
It is important to highlight that increasing the minimum wage does not depend solely on political will. CONASAMI will be in charge of making the final decision, after analyzing the national economic panorama and other relevant factors. This organization will work with representatives of the different sectors to establish the amount that best suits the country’s conditions.
**Given the potential for regional disparities in the 2025 minimum wage increase, how can the Mexican government ensure a fair and equitable outcome for workers across all regions, particularly considering the unique economic context of the Northern Border Free Zone?**
## World Today News: Minimum Wage in Mexico: What to Expect in 2025
**Moderator:** Welcome to World Today News’ in-depth look at the upcoming minimum wage adjustments in Mexico. Today, we’re joined by two distinguished guests to discuss the complex factors at play and the potential impact on Mexican workers. First, we have [Guest 1’s Name and Title], an economics expert specializing in labour markets, and [Guest 2’s Name and Title], a representative of the Mexican Workers’ Union. Welcome to both of you.
**Section 1: The Current Landscape and Driving Factors**
**Moderator:** Let’s start with the context. The article mentioned Mexico experienced a significant minimum wage increase in 2024. [Guest 1], from an economic standpoint, how did this increase affect the country overall? What were its intended and unintended consequences?
**[Guest 1 Response]**
**Moderator:** [Guest 2], how did this increase impact the lives of your union members? Did it adequately address the rising cost of living for working families?
**[Guest 2 Response]**
**Moderator:** Looking ahead to 2025, inflation remains a major concern. Both of you, what are the key economic indicators that CONASAMI will likely consider when deciding on the upcoming wage adjustment?
**[Guest 1 & Guest 2 Responses]**
**Section 2: The Role of Political Will vs. Economic Reality**
**Moderator:** The article quotes President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum’s goal to move the minimum wage closer to 2.5 basic baskets. [Guest 2], how realistic is this goal given the economic constraints Mexico might face?
**[Guest 2 Response]**
**Moderator:** [Guest 1], how much weight should political considerations carry in setting the minimum wage? Can purely economic analysis provide a complete picture of the situation?
**[Guest 1 Response]**
**Section 3: Regional Disparities and the Northern Border Free Zone**
**Moderator:** The article highlighted potential differences in the minimum wage increase between different regions, particularly the Northern Border Free Zone. Why is this area unique, and what factors might lead to a larger adjustment there?
**[Guest 1 Response]**
**Moderator:** [Guest 2], what are the specific challenges faced by workers in the Northern Border Free Zone? What minimum wage level would be considered fair and sustainable in that region?
**[Guest 2 Response]**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
**Moderator:** what are your expectations for the final minimum wage adjustment in 2025? What do you hope to see come from this decision, both in terms of its impact on workers and the overall economy?
**[Guest 1 & Guest 2 Responses]**
**Moderator:** Thank you both for sharing your insights and expertise on this critical issue. The minimum wage debate is complex and multifaceted, and your perspectives are invaluable in helping us understand the key factors at play.
**Closing Statement:**
World Today News will continue to closely follow developments surrounding the minimum wage adjustment in Mexico. We believe in providing insightful and balanced coverage on issues that directly affect the lives of everyday citizens.
