The Minister of Labor reveals labor figures and projects economic recovery

The Minister of Labor, Javier Maurate, has revealed important figures about the labor situation in the country, highlighting that around 240,000 new jobs have been created in Metropolitan Lima, representing a 4.7% increase so far this year. These data are encouraging and show growth in job creation, although Maurate also pointed out that compared to pre-pandemic figures, there has not yet been a significant growth, remaining at 0%. This stagnation is attributed to various factors such as political instability and social conflicts. The minister emphasized that, despite the difficulties, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of economic recovery and anticipated that 2025 will be a year of takeoff, with the implementation of important projects that will help generate more employment and increase national production. In this context, Maurate announced that the National Labor Council will be convened to discuss a possible increase in the minimum wage before 2025, which would be a crucial measure to improve the working conditions of thousands of workers in the country. The increase in the minimum wage should be addressed responsibly, according to the minister, in order not to negatively affect small and micro-enterprises. It is essential to find a balance that allows for improving workers' purchasing power without generating negative impacts on the business sector. The calling of the NLC to discuss this issue is an important step towards consensus and decisions that drive the economic and social development of the country. Regarding labor formality, Maurate highlighted the importance of employment centers, which have contributed to improving the formalization of workers, recording a 3% growth amid the crisis. The minister expressed confidence that this year will also see an increase in labor formality thanks to the ongoing economic recovery and the joint efforts of companies to comply with current labor regulations. Additionally, the minister reported on the agreements reached during the recent visit of the President of the Republic to China, which include collaboration in sectors such as industry, technology, culture, and education. He highlighted the possibility of establishing an electric car factory in the future, as well as the granting of 20,000 scholarships to train digital talents, which represents an opportunity for growth and innovation in the country. In summary, the statements of the Minister of Labor reflect a labor landscape in the process of recovery, with the generation of new jobs and the prospect of an increase in the minimum wage before 2025. The convening of the National Labor Council to discuss this issue demonstrates the government's willingness to promote measures that benefit workers and strengthen the labor market in the country. It is expected that, with the implementation of these measures and the promotion of economic projects, there will be a significant improvement in labor conditions and the national economy in the coming years.