Celaya, Mexico grapples with long work hours, low pay and odor issues

The Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad (IMCO) released its Urban Competitiveness Index 2026, finding that 43% of Celaya’s employed population works more than 48 hours a week, the highest share among Mexico’s 72 major cities, while wages rank among the lowest nationally. The report highlights a depressed local economy, noting that workers often need multiple jobs to meet income needs.

The municipal Environment Directorate surveyed roughly 500 residents to assess persistent bad odors in Celaya. Results will be discussed with the Environmental and Land‑Use Prosecutor’s Office and the Water and Environment Secretariat to develop mitigation plans. The city identified three main polluting industries—Bachoco, Sensient Flavors and Coprice— which have previously signed commitments to improve emissions.