Precarious work: experiences of Mexican and Ecuadorian workers

Precarious work refers to a set of harmful working conditions to which workers are exposed, linked to negative experiences of vulnerability, unfair treatment, and lack of rights. It also encompasses aspects such as temporary contracts, low wages, and lack of negotiating power. The aim of this study was to compare the subjective and objective dimensions of precarious work between Mexican and Ecuadorian workers. Data were collected from 304 Mexican workers and 366 Ecuadorian workers through an online questionnaire consisting of 15 items organized into 3 factors (alpha between 0,83 and 0,90) for subjective evaluation, and 5 questions for objective evaluation. The results showed that the Ecuadorian group, more than the Mexican group, reported insufficient salaries to cover their expenses. The Mexican group, however, indicated experiencing greater labor vulnerability despite higher salaries. This group also reported having less decision-making power over labor aspects that affected them. The results highlight the importance of employees' subjective experiences, as greater vulnerability (subjective evaluation) was associated with a higher salary and the perception that the amounts received could cover daily and unexpected expenses. Precarious work, therefore, cannot only be seen as a set of concrete circumstances but is also a subjective experience for the employee.