Protection of Workers and Human Rights: Decent or Worthy Work

Abstract

The right to decent work established in the Political Constitution of Mexico recognizes labor as a fundamental human right. Much had to happen in the historical evolution so that finally the right to work in decent conditions has ceased to be aspirational and today is enforceable. Currently, there are national and international references that allow the materialization of the scope of the term ‘worthy’; however, even when complying with labor regulations is a necessary condition, it is not sufficient in order to safeguard the extension of the content of dignity, because there are aspects of it that transcend the literal nature of the Law. Decent work as a fundamental right is not only susceptible to being violated by the authorities, it can also be disrupted by individuals, and, like any violation of human rights, this transgression must be corrected, repaired, and prosecuted. Since it is legally protected, decent work must be supervised by both the jurisdictional and administrative authorities. As a whole, these institutions have the responsibility to safeguard this fundamental precept and, in the case of violations, they must enforce the restitution of the right and the repair of the damage.