Stepping out off a bus early morning in Unión de Tula, I'm usually first greeted by the fresh scents of pastries filling the air. The morning breeze is also complimented by a hint of fresh coffee and flowers being cut on Pueblo street. I'm standing next to the bus as people are getting off and luggage is unloaded. While my eyes are still closed, the bus driver presses the gas and a plume of diesel smoke engulfs me. Everything I smell and see revolves around commerce in the pueblo. We may not want to admit it, business in Unión de Tula sustains the people within it. Everything from cattle ranching to computers, businesses supports the UDT economy. This section is dedicated to the "Negocios". During my travels, I've noticed parrellels and differences in the way the community manages their
money and how the economy functions with that of the United States. As with the states most wake up in the early morning hours around 8:00 am. However the town takes a two hour break (siesta) f rom 2:00 - 4:00 pm and continues work after. They then usually work another five or six hours to about 9:00 pm. Many work 6 to 7 days a week including holidays. Many workers in Unión de Tula who work for major companies or government agencies get benefits such as health and vacation. Unfortunately the majority do not get these same benefits. .
Most employees make $4 to $6 dollars a day. By U.S. standards, one would think this is poverty. However, there are many benefits provided by the government such as medical services and access to a good educational system. Just as in the U.S., employees must pay income tax on a federal level only. For business owners, regulations are much more relaxed than that of the United States. Creating a business is easier in Mexico but with a sleightly depressed economy it is difficult to maintain at times.
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