Mexican Senate leaves union power intact under reform

Mexico's Senate gave final approval to a labor law overhaul that will allow outsourcing and part-time employment, but doesn't include clauses intended to democratize antiquated and authoritarian labor unions.

The bill has already been approved by the lower house and now goes to President Felipe Calderón for his signature. He originally proposed the measure.

The measure's supporters predict it will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

Critics say the bill strips away job protections and seniority while doing little to combat the sclerotic leaderships that have spent decades in control of many unions.

Source: Associated Press