Background on the New Telecommunications Regulator in Mexico
The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) took over as Mexico’s new telecommunications and broadcasting regulator on October 17, 2022. In its formation, the CRT has incorporated several former employees from the Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT). This transition has led to a group of 89 former IFT employees seeking economic compensation for losing their jobs when the IFT was dissolved.
The Dispute Over Indemnization
A group of 133 former IFT employees, spanning various job roles and salary levels, primarily under the free appointment status, has claimed they haven’t received their legally-owed indemnification. This group has since shrunk to 89 individuals as some members left due to alleged coercion from the CRT and the Comisión Nacional Antimonopolio (CNA), the two new authorities assuming IFT’s regulatory and economic competition powers.
The unpaid indemnizations are estimated to total 38 million pesos, representing three months’ salary plus an additional 20 days of service for each employee based on their years of tenure.
CRT’s Stance and Next Steps
On December 11, it was decided that the matter would be resolved in court. The CRT has now stated its commitment to abide by the court’s decision:
“The former IFT employees have the right to approach labor authorities and claim their indemnification. If a court orders payment, the CRT will make the necessary payments according to the established terms,” the regulator communicated in a letter to the media on Monday.
Timeline of Events
- November 3, 2025: A preliminary working group was established with representatives of the 133 employees.
- During this meeting, it was agreed that the CRT would initiate procedures to promote indemnification if applicable.
- Employees were advised to seek conciliation through the competent labor authority.
- At that time, the content of employees’ labor files was unknown as there hadn’t been a handover.
- Upon reviewing the administrative files left by the former IFT, it was identified that 133 employees (now 85) had signed their resignation, accepting the termination of their appointment due to IFT’s dissolution.
- With their resignation, these employees received severance pay and Individual Separation Insurance.
- The varying positions imply that 85 to 89 former IFT employees will start 2026 uncertain about their situation.
- The employees mentioned they would evaluate initiating legal proceedings in early 2024.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the dispute about? A group of 89 former IFT employees claims they haven’t received their legally-owed indemnification following the dissolution of IFT.
- What is the estimated total amount of unpaid indemnizations? Approximately 38 million pesos.
- What is the CRT’s stance on the matter? The CRT has committed to abide by a court decision regarding indemnification payments if ordered.
- What are the varying positions in this dispute? The number of former IFT employees seeking compensation has decreased from 133 to 89 due to coercion allegations and differing interpretations of labor files.
- When will the situation be resolved? The employees have mentioned evaluating initiating legal proceedings in early 2024.
