Napoleón Gómez Urrutia Contests $55 Million Ruling Against Miners’ Union

Web Editor

May 19, 2025

a man in a suit standing in front of a sign that says encuentro de sindicatos empleadores, Eddie Men

Background on Napoleón Gómez Urrutia

Napoleón Gómez Urrutia is a prominent figure in Mexico’s labor movement, serving as the leader of the National Union of Miners, Metalworkers, and Similar Occupations (SNTMMSRM) since 2002. As a diputado for Morena, he has been instrumental in advocating for workers’ rights and combating corporate and political corruption.

The Contested Ruling

In a recent development, the Junta Federal de Conciliación y Arbitraje (JFCA) condemned the SNTMMSRM to return $55 million to former Mexicana de Cananea workers. However, Gómez Urrutia contests this ruling, asserting that it lacks formal validity and is not a definitive sentence.

Gómez Urrutia’s Response

During an interview following his participation in the “Encuentro de sindicatos y empleadores” forum, Gómez Urrutia stated that the recent condemnation is a result of “much pressure on the JFCA, and much corruption… They are obeying interests that are not those of the workers.”

Legal Strategy

Gómez Urrutia emphasized that the union still has legal avenues to challenge the ruling. He plans to first seek an amparo and subsequently appeal to the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN).

Allegations of Corruption

The SNTMMSRM leader accused the JFCA of systematically excluding evidence that favored workers and the union in favor of corporations. He claimed, “There is corruption from top to bottom in the JFCA,” and asserted that the recent ruling is part of this pattern.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the disputed amount? The contested sum is $55 million, which former Mexicana de Cananea workers claim they are owed.
  • Who is Napoleón Gómez Urrutia? He is the leader of the National Union of Miners, Metalworkers, and Similar Occupations (SNTMMSRM) in Mexico and a diputado for Morena.
  • What is Gómez Urrutia’s stance on the ruling? He contests the ruling, asserting it lacks formal validity and is not a definitive sentence.
  • What are Gómez Urrutia’s plans to challenge the ruling? He intends to seek an amparo and appeal to the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN).
  • What accusations has Gómez Urrutia made against the JFCA? He alleges corruption within the Junta Federal de Conciliación y Arbitraje (JFCA), claiming it favors corporations over workers.