Background on the Dispute
As 2025 winds down, the issues surrounding the dissolution of the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) in October continue to linger, particularly the unpaid compensations for around a hundred appointed workers who are still demanding these resources, totaling approximately 38 million pesos.
The Role of the CRT
Initially, the interim authority for the IFT, the Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT), stated that it would resolve the matter of compensation. However, on December 11th, the CRT surprised everyone with a communication announcing that the case would be taken to court, leaving 89 former employees in limbo.
Who are the Ex-Workers?
Luz Guerrero, a prominent representative of the ex-IFT workers, explains their situation: “We started with 133 employees who were owed money. These were managers, IFT’s operational staff, and those with the lowest salaries. We were appointed freely from top to bottom.”
Due to coercion by the CRT and the National Antimonopoly Commission (CNA), the list of claimants dwindled to 89. Workers were pressured to choose between staying in the movement or keeping their new positions at CRT or CNA.
Misinformation and Delays
Media reports suggested that the ex-workers had already received over half a million pesos in compensation. Guerrero clarifies, “We have not received any amount as compensation, let alone over half a million pesos. Before the coercion by the commissions, 117 workers were owed 43 million pesos. This figure has since decreased to 38 million due to workers choosing to retain their jobs.”
Guerrero emphasizes, “The CRT hired some of these workers after the IFT’s dissolution. When they realized several were part of the movement fighting for their rights, they pressured these employees to choose between staying in the movement or accepting new positions at CRT.”
Legal Action and Its Challenges
Guerrero acknowledges that pursuing legal action could be a lengthy process, potentially taking two years or more. “Our demand for compensation is constitutionally guaranteed, and we are entitled to three months’ salary plus 20 days of pay for each year served. However, the challenge lies in enforcing a court ruling against CRT.”
The CRT’s Legal Obligation
Guerrero asserts that the Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law recognizes employees’ rights, including compensation. “The law states that funds from the IFT’s fideicomiso are to be used for compensating stable employees. Our nominations, which are definitive, fall under the professional service system, granting us the same stability as outlined in the law.”
The Path Forward
With a February deadline to file a lawsuit, the ex-workers are left with limited options. Guerrero explains, “We are aware of our rights and have until mid-February to file a claim. Until then, we must continue pursuing political avenues since CRT acknowledged our rights but attempted to delay justice through legal proceedings.”
Misinformation and Broken Promises
Guerrero denies claims that the ex-workers signed resignation letters. “We were not compensated, and there was no voluntary resignation. The CRT and CNA coerced employees into choosing between the movement or their new positions.”
Guerrero accuses CRT President Norma Solano and Pepe Merino of misleading workers about compensation availability. “They assured us that necessary approvals were in place, only to backtrack later.”
Clarifying Misconceptions
Guerrero clarifies that not all 89 are subdirectors. “Our ranks include department heads, assistants, drivers, and liaisons. Seeking a director position does not disqualify one from claiming rightful compensation.”
Guerrero concludes, “Norma Solano and Pepe Merino’s actions reflect poorly on CRT’s reputation, potentially jeopardizing future investor confidence. Their reckless decisions have created unnecessary problems for the new regulatory body.”
