Who are the labor leaders and what is their association?
The labor leaders affiliated with the General Association of Workers (AGT) are demanding changes to pension payments, tax-free status for certain benefits, reduced work hours, and the abandonment of ISSSTE reform. These leaders represent various unions such as telephonists, universities, miners, teachers, and farmers, along with confederations like CROM and CROC.
Why are they marching on May 1st?
On May Day, these labor leaders will march across the country to voice their demands. However, in Mexico City, they can only circle the Zócalo’s plaza due to the lack of permits for large gatherings. The march route in Mexico City will start from Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas, pass through 5 de Mayo and Juárez, and head towards Reforma.
Relevance of the labor leaders and their demands
Rodolfo González, leader of the Mexican Workers’ Confederation (CROM), acknowledged the weakening of the Mexican union movement despite recent changes to the 2019 Federal Labor Law. He admitted that unions have struggled to organize effectively in defense of workers against reforms like the INFONAVIT changes, unlike the CNTE’s successful resistance to ISSSTE reform.
Francisco Hernández Juárez, leader of the telephonists’ union, expressed hope for dialogue with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. He also mentioned seeking direct dialogue with employers to form a united front against U.S. government policies.
Post-march plans
Following the May 1st march, labor leaders will have a meal with President Claudia Sheinbaum at Palacio Nacional. Hernández Juárez aims to restart permanent social dialogue, urging the government and president to engage with the labor movement as a pillar of national development and labor peace.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the labor leaders’ demands? Their key demands include pension payments based on minimum wages, tax-free benefits like bonuses and overtime, reduced work hours, and the abandonment of ISSSTE reform.
- Why are they marching despite limited permits in Mexico City? Due to the lack of permits for large gatherings, labor leaders in Mexico City will circle the Zócalo’s plaza to still voice their demands.
- What is the current state of the Mexican union movement? Rodolfo González, CROM’s leader, acknowledged the weakening of the union movement and their struggle to organize effectively against reforms.
- What are the post-march plans of labor leaders? After the May 1st march, labor leaders will have a meal with President Claudia Sheinbaum and aim to restart permanent social dialogue with the government.
