Background on the Mexico City Judicial Branch and Key Parties Involved
The Mexico City Judicial Branch has experienced a significant slowdown over the past quarter due to labor-related issues. Despite no major legal events occurring, a series of agreements by the Mexico City Judiciary Council have kept things running. These agreements were implemented to maintain judicial and administrative functions amidst specific challenges.
Labor Dispute Details
On April 23, the Plenum of this council authorized the suspension of terms and procedural deadlines due to internet connection issues at labor courts and administrative buildings, including Fray Servando. This decision was made to ensure the proper administration and delivery of justice.
Since mid-May, various causes of “force majeure” have prevented the execution of court hearings, actions, and procedures ordered by judges and magistrates in Mexico City’s Judicial Branch. Daily announcements have been published to reschedule pending procedures “as soon as possible, according to the relevant agenda.”
On May 29, public servants closed access to Plaza Juárez (family courts), Claudio Bernard (civil courts), Fray Servando (labor courts), the City Judiciary, and patriotism offices to demand a renewed union representation, a 7% salary increase, and improved working conditions.
To resume operations, workers accepted a package including an extraordinary bonus and a one-time allocation of 29 million pesos to be distributed in December 2025. This package also includes basification of personnel with minimum seniority and a guarantee against retaliation for strike participants. Salary increase negotiations are postponed until September 2025.
Impact on Judicial Activities and Citizens
Despite the suspension of terms and deadlines, over 844,000 people have not received weekly attention. Approximately 252,000 weekly promotions haven’t been granted, and more than 33,600 hearings have been suspended (1,200 daily, including 450 criminal and 200 family matters).
To clear the backlog, no planning or agreements can suffice. Upcoming judicial vacations (starting today and lasting two weeks) along with the upcoming changes in courts and magistrature positions will only exacerbate delays, potentially causing years-long backlogs.
Secondary Effects
Excesses:
The Graphic Workshops, known for their efficiency, have successfully delivered over 600 million ballots for an extraordinary judicial election this year. Now, they must fulfill a contract to print notices and electricity bill receipts worth 1,483 million pesos. To meet the deadline with the CFE (Federal Electricity Commission), they plan to subcontract to Gráficas Corona JE, owned by Juan Sebastián Estrada Hernández, for 826 million pesos. The contract allows subcontracting up to 49% of the services.
Objectives:
Currently, only three out of ten professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are women. Papalote Museum of Childhood and KIO aim to address this imbalance with a new “Space Station” exhibit narrated by Katya Echazarreta, Mexico’s first woman astronaut, highlighting her space journey.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue affecting Mexico City’s Judicial Branch? A labor dispute has led to a significant slowdown in judicial activities, with over 844,000 people not receiving weekly attention and more than 33,600 hearings suspended.
- How has the labor dispute impacted judicial operations? The dispute has resulted in the suspension of terms and deadlines, causing a backlog that may take years to clear.
- What are the secondary effects of this situation? The Graphic Workshops face challenges fulfilling a large contract with the CFE, potentially resorting to subcontracting. Additionally, there’s an initiative by Papalote Museum of Childhood and KIO to promote gender equality in STEM fields through a new exhibit.
