Mexico: Weekly Newsletter

We hereby share an unofficial translation of the part on Mexico from the latest Weekly Newsletter published by Sol Rojo on October 12.

In various states across the country, workers at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) have launched a wave of protests that continues to grow. Their demands are just, and among them the main ones are: a) Rejection of the paltry 6.8% raise (2.9% directly to wages and 3.9% in benefits) agreed upon between management and the union bosses on the National Executive Committee of the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS); b) Resignation or dismissal of “charro” [translators note: Term used to denounce union members or leaders doing the bidding of the State] Rafael Olivos Hernández, general secretary of the SNTSS National Executive Committee; c) Respect for labor rights, a return to the Retirement and Pension System, and union democracy; d) Hiring more staff to alleviate the workload and meet the needs of the health care system; e) The immediate supply of medical supplies, medications, and improved facilities in hospitals, medical units, clinics, etc., among other demands.

The Mexican government’s response? Repression. On Friday, October 9, IMSS workers protesting at various locations in Mexico City were evicted by riot police from the opportunistic government of Clara Brugada. The main site was the sit-in set up on Paseo de la Reforma in front of the IMSS headquarters.

A national “Megamarch” is now planned for October 13 in Mexico City, along with a national referendum on October 14. The Social Security workers’ movement is receiving widespread solidarity from other sectors of the working class, such as the CNTE [translators note: National Teachers’ Union] and other unions.

Class solidarity with the Social Security workers!

Down with the charro’s of the CEN!