Red Cross Faces Challenges with New 40-Hour Workweek

Cancún, Mexico — The Cancún delegation of the Mexican Red Cross is awaiting the implementation of a labor reform that will reduce the workweek to 40 hours, as it prepares to discuss necessary adjustments with its Board of Directors, according to Amílcar Galaviz Aguilar, director of the humanitarian organization.

Reform Intention Praised, but Operational Challenges Loom

"The intention behind the reform is positive, but in our case, it represents a significant challenge because it will lead to higher operational costs and the need to cover additional shifts," Galaviz Aguilar stated.

He further explained that "reducing work hours without cutting back on coverage would require hiring more personnel," adding that this "could strain the institution’s resources, which largely depend on donations, fundraising, and agreements with authorities and businesses."

Current Shift Structure and Emergency Coverage

Currently, paramedics and dispatchers work eight-hour shifts for six days with one day off, while administrative staff follow an English week schedule (five days on, two days off). The Red Cross operates three eight-hour shifts: from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

During morning hours, three ambulances are in service, each staffed by two paramedics and one dispatcher. The afternoon shift deploys four ambulances and one dispatcher, while the night shift maintains three ambulances and three dispatchers. This structure has been in place for years due to the 24/7 nature of emergency services.

Increased Demand During Peak Periods

Shift coverage is critical, particularly during high seasons or weekends, when incidents such as traffic accidents, medical emergencies, and crises related to tourism or mass events surge.

Galaviz Aguilar acknowledged that the reduced workweek would benefit employees by providing an additional day off and improving their quality of life. However, he cautioned that supplementary support must be secured to help organizations like the Red Cross adapt without jeopardizing service continuity.

The reform’s financial impact on the Red Cross—an institution reliant on donations—remains a pressing concern as it navigates the balance between worker welfare and operational sustainability.