Social security coverage for couriers who work through digital platforms in Mexico: A role for a special scheme?

Abstract

The socio-demographic characteristics of couriers who work through digital platforms in Mexico reveal that more than 85 per cent of these workers have completed fulltime secondary education and 83 per cent of these workers are young (aged 14 to 44). However, only 25 per cent are covered for health services and social security benefits. Against this backdrop, and guided by international experience, we set out a proposal to provide these workers with a tailored package of social security benefits. The proposal would require to categorize couriers who work through digital platforms as "digital workers", introduce a special scheme for these workers based on voluntary affiliation, and offer a specific portfolio of benefits.