Background and Relevance of the Situation
Since 2022, workers from various CEDIS (Center of Distribution) of PepsiCo across Mexico have sought to join the National Union of Food and Commerce (SNAC). This movement gained momentum as they discovered their workplaces operated under outdated, unverified collective contracts and unknown unions to them.
Alejandro Martínez, General Secretary of SNAC, highlighted that PepsiCo has consistently violated workers’ rights to free unionization, as guaranteed by Mexico’s 2019 labor reform and international commitments. These violations range from corporate levels (through legal teams and affiliated unions) to local workplace management.
Current Conflict and Potential Impact
The current dispute escalated when Sabritas-PepsiCo decided to “empty” the Poza Rica CEDIS, potentially triggering a strike. Negotiations have been postponed since April, with the company refusing to review working conditions for vendors seeking increased commission percentages.
Martínez warned that this conflict might spread, with “no solidarity strikes threatened in six other CEDIS due to such provocations,” ahead of a scheduled hearing on Thursday.
Details of the Dispute
- The company’s attempt to empty the CEDIS is prohibited by law, according to Martínez.
- Workers have reported constant threats and intimidation from managers, immediate dismissal of dissident union leaders, and manipulation of democratic processes (alteration of voter registers and “importation” of unrelated individuals on election day).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The primary concern is a wage dispute regarding vendor commission percentages.
- Who is involved? The dispute involves Sabritas-PepsiCo and the SNAC union, with workers seeking to join the union from various CEDIS.
- What actions has PepsiCo taken? PepsiCo has allegedly violated workers’ rights to free unionization, attempted to empty the Poza Rica CEDIS, and manipulated democratic processes.
- What could be the potential impact? The conflict might spread to other CEDIS, potentially leading to solidarity strikes.
