Mexico City and ITF Join Forces to Protect Transport Workers' Rights During 2026 FIFA World Cup

Strategic Insights -

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Government of Mexico City and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have signed a landmark cooperation agenda to protect and promote the rights of transport workers throughout the tournament. The agreement aims to ensure fair treatment and decent work across the capital's vital transport, tourism, and service sectors, upholding Mexico's Federal Labor Law and Mexico City's legal framework. This collaboration will create safe, fair, and decent working conditions for everyone involved in the event, from bus and metro drivers to hospitality staff.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between Mexico City and the ITF sets out a joint work plan to ensure fair treatment and decent work for transport workers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • The collaboration will uphold Mexico's Federal Labor Law and Mexico City's legal framework, fostering democratic and fair labor relations through social dialogue between employers and workers.
  • The agreement recognizes the critical role of transport workers in delivering a world-class tournament experience, securing their human and labor rights throughout the World Cup.
  • The government, employers, and workers will maintain open lines of communication to address workforce needs, anticipate challenges, and ensure the labour market remains stable throughout the event.
  • The partnership aims to set the tone for a World Cup where the excitement on the pitch is matched by respect, fairness, and opportunity off it, ensuring that the tournament's legacy benefits the workers who keep the city moving.

Statistics:

  • Around eight million visitors are expected to arrive in Mexico City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Source: Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF).
  • The agreement commits to upholding Mexico's Federal Labor Law and Mexico City's legal framework, ensuring that transport workers are protected and promoted during the event.
  • The partnership recognizes the critical role of transport workers in complex transport logistics for international visitors, safeguarding their human and labor rights during the World Cup.

Sources:

  • International Transport Workers' Federation. (2023, August 21). Mexico City and ITF join forces to protect transport workers' rights during 2026 FIFA World Cup. Retrieved from https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/mexico-city-and-itf-join-forces-protect-transport-workers-rights-during-2026-fifa-world-cup
  • Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF.