Background on Napoleon Gómez Urrutia and the Miners’ Dispute
Napoleon Gómez Urrutia, a Mexican politician and former leader of the Miners’ Union, is at the center of a 20-year legal battle over $55 million in mining funds. The dispute revolves around the distribution of resources from the sale of Mexicana de Cananea to Grupo México, which promised 5% of its shares to the workers. However, Gómez Urrutia dissolved a trust created in 2005 to manage these funds.
Recent Developments
On March 28, the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Board (JFCA) issued a new ruling in case 177-2005, once again condemning the Miners’ Union, represented by Napoleon Gómez Urrutia, to pay the $55 million.
“Los 719 de Cananea, Sonora” Demand Action
“Los 719 de Cananea, Sonora,” a group of mining workers, have urged President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Morena party to compel Gómez Urrutia to take a leave of absence from his legislative position until the lawsuit concludes. The workers argue that Gómez Urrutia’s absence is necessary due to his sindicato’s obligation to pay the 55 million dollars, as ordered by the JFCA.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are “Los 719 de Cananea, Sonora”? They are a group of mining workers demanding the payment of resources owed to their union for over 20 years.
- What is the dispute about? The disagreement centers on $55 million in mining funds that the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Board (JFCA) has ordered the Miners’ Union, led by Napoleon Gómez Urrutia, to pay.
- Why do the miners want Gómez Urrutia to take a leave of absence? The workers argue that Gómez Urrutia should take a leave until the lawsuit concludes, as he is obligated to ensure the union pays the ordered amount.
- What is the origin of the $55 million? The funds come from the sale of Mexicana de Cananea to Grupo México, which agreed to give workers 5% of its shares. A trust was created in 2005 to manage these funds, but Gómez Urrutia dissolved it.
The JFCA’s Special Tenth Board has repeatedly ordered the Miners’ Union to pay the $55 million, with the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation upholding this decision on May 7, 2025. The funds rightfully belong to the workers, not the union, according to Mexican authorities.
