WORKING CONDITIONS

WORKING CONDITIONS IN THE USA.

Work environment

Salaries, working hours and vacations

The U. S. was founded on the principle that good, honest, hard work is rewarded. Because of this work ethic, time is money and punctuality is highly appreciated. The culture and geographic location of an area influences the way business is done.

Traditionally, the East Coast is more conservative and formal in terms of dress code and manners than the West Coast. But don’t think a meeting in California is not less important than one in New York. The climate and lifestyle are just more relaxed, which is reflected in the pace and informality.

Working hours and vacations

You can work full-time or part-time. Usually full-time means working for 40 hours per week. Part-time could be anything up to 30 hours per week. Traditional working hours in the U.S. are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 6:00pm, with one hour for lunch and, usually, two breaks of 15 minutes.

However, about on third of Americans work longer than the standard 40-hour-week, and the higher you move up the career ladder, the more you are expected to work.

If you’re used to European holiday times, American holiday schemes may come as a nasty surprise. Most new employees receive just one or two weeks paid holiday per year, which is less than in any other industrial nation except Japan. As you continue working, your holidays are increased by one or two days every year, so it can take up to 10 years until you get four weeks of vacation per year. According to a UN study, the average American works some 250 hours more than a British worker, and 500 more than a German one.

If you feel that working is not all there is to life, don’t expect too much sympathy from your American colleagues. The biggest goal of many Americans is making money and, since time is money, it’s better not to spend it on anything other than making your fortune.

Job security & company rules

Job security is basically unheard of in the States. If your employer decides that they no longer need you, they are free to fire you. Your only security is your own potential and willingness to work – which either convinces your boss to keep you on and fire others, or enables you to find another job quickly.

Smoking is banned in working environments and nearly everywhere else, except outside and in your own home.

In the American work environment, diversity is also very important (at least in theory). Looking for a job, adverts will state “We are an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and benefits in a professional work environment.” This means that, in the U.S., you will probably be working with various people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Salaries & other compensation

Salary is just one component of the overall job offer but, at least for Americans, it's usually the most important one. The cost of living in the U.S. can be very high, particularly in the big cities. However, salaries are usually also higher there.

Average salaries for workers range from $8 to $12 per hour (entry level) depending on the job title. The legal minimum salary is around $7 per hour in most states.

We know that salary is very important but it isn’t everything. Another important factor that you need to consider is the benefits plan. Most good companies have additional benefits for their employees, including bonus schemes, medical and dental insurance, vision-care, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan (401k), and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits. Ask your employer about these.

Salaries and benefits packages vary according to the location of the job and market conditions. It is a good idea to be well-informed about the changing market conditions or other factors that might affect your salary and benefits. Analyze your particular situation before making a decision.

Workers Compensation

In the United States you have the right to a safe workplace. Workers compensation is insurance paid for by employers. It provides cash benefits and medical care if an employee becomes disabled due to work-related injury. In other words, workers compensation laws are designed to protect employees who are hurt on the job.

Companies with 4 or more employees (although this varies by state) are legally required to provide workers compensation insurance. If an employee is injured, the employee will file a claim with the workers compensation insurance company. Most laws require that you file a claim within 30 days of the accident. In general, workers compensation provides replacement income, medical expenses, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. Usually, workers compensation will pay you 2/3 of your salary while you are injured. You may also be eligible for life-long benefits or a lump sum payment if you are permanently hurt while on the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS IN MEXICO

Working conditions

Working hours, holidays and salaries in Mexico

Working conditions and salaries in Mexico might be quite different from what you are used to in your home country. Be aware that cliché of “lazy Mexicans” does not apply to a modern Mexican work environment and many jobs are very demanding.

Salaries in Mexico

Salaries in Mexico are usually a lot lower than in Western European countries or the US, although there are some exceptions for highly qualified positions. In general the lower your qualification is, the wider the salary gap will be compared to industrialised countries, with unqualified jobs often paying a mere survival salary.

Of course your salary expectations will very much depend on your qualifications, the business sector you work in, the area in which you are looking for work (salaries in Mexico City are a lot higher than in the countryside), and your position and role within the company. The following salary ranges can therefore only give you a rough impression of salaries in Mexico City (in smaller towns and villages salaries can be a lot lower):

·         Unqualified workers (minimum salary): US$ 300-500/month (though this can be less)

·         University graduates: US$ 1,000-2,000/month

·         Mid level business positions (3-10 years of experience): US$ 1,500-3,000/month

·         Directorial positions: US$3,000-10,000

·         Executive positions (VP- or President level): US$10,000 and more

In some cases you can get a ‘foreigner bonus’ if you have international experience or any other impressive qualification, which can double your salary compared to the average. Highly specialised positions are sometimes paid as well as (in some cases even better than) in industrialised countries, especially in senior management or executive roles in large companies. Many people in the latter categories sell their expertise as independent consultants, often working for foreign-based companies.

Salaries in Mexico are usually paid in Quincenas, which means every 15 days, though some companies are starting to pay monthly. Many salaries are still paid by cheque, though salary payments by bank transfer are starting to become more common like in other countries.

The Aguinaldo

According to Mexican law employees (not including independent contractors) are entitled to a yearly bonus known as an Aguinaldo. Companies are required to pay a minimum Aguinaldo each year, but many companies pay out a higher Aguinaldo than required. In most cases the Aguinaldo amounts to four weeks’ pay, in some (mostly larger) companies up to six weeks. The bonus is normally paid in December for Christmas and New Year expenses. Companies who pay six weeks usually pay four weeks in December and another two weeks in summer.

Other Bonuses

In addition to the Aguinaldo you may be entitled to other bonuses as well. Sales positions in Mexico are often paid with a very low base salary, with the vast majority of income being provided by sales commissions or bonuses that are awarded upon reaching a quota. Management positions also often have high variable payments which depend on meeting business targets.

Working Hours in Mexico

Working hours in Mexico are not regulated by law and thus depend on your job and the company you are working for. Most office job hours run from 8am to 6pm, although the working hours of Mexico’s middle class are now becoming longer and often go until 7pm or later. If you are working in tourism you can expect to work weekends, public holidays and late hours.

Lunch breaks in Mexico are longer than in most other countries, ranging from one hour for normal workers to three-hour work lunches for executives. In general the “Siesta-taking” Mexican is becoming more and more of a cliché and most modern work environments are now very similar to those of other Western countries.

Holidays in Mexico

The image of a relaxing Mexican work life is quickly brought to an end by Mexican holiday regulations. According to Mexican Law, you are entitled to one week (5 weekdays) of paid holiday leave after a year of working at a company. However, as many companies insist on employees working a three-month trial period, in actual fact, you may have to wait fifteen months before being able to take a holiday. For every year you work at the same company, this amount rises up to a maximum of 20 days per year.

Some companies, especially larger corporations, offer more generous leave entitlements (though others stick to the letter of the law). In some cases you will also receive some ‘personal days’ in addition to your annual leave, i.e. for family issues, special events at your child’s school or for personal emergencies. You are also entitled to all of Mexico’s public holidays, though in some jobs (eg in tourism) you may be asked to work these days and get other days off instead.

Pensions and Insurance

Many Mexican companies, especially medium sized and larger ones, provide their employees with a personal pension plan, usually through a scheme known in Mexico as an AFORE. Under an AFORE scheme you can contribute a certain amount of your salary to a pension plan, with your company and the Mexican government adding to your contributions. AFORE pension products are administered by all Mexican banks which invest the contributions in approved stocks and investment funds. You can change your administering bank within certain limits and time-scales set by the law.

Some companies also offer their employees a private insurance scheme as part of their employment package. Although you may be entitled to the public Mexican Social Security System (IMSS), private insurance is generally preferred as it covers more expensive treatments