Background on the Alianza de Tranviarios de México (ATM)
The Alianza de Tranviarios de México (ATM) is a prominent labor union representing streetcar workers in Mexico City. The union has been advocating for improved working conditions and better wages, aiming to ensure fair treatment of its members. ATM’s relevance stems from its role in maintaining the city’s historic streetcar system, which is an essential part of Mexico City’s public transportation infrastructure and cultural heritage.
ATM Initiates Staggered Strike Against STE
The ATM has commenced a staggered strike in the Structures Department of the Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos (STE) in Mexico City. This action is a response to what the union describes as “breaches and reluctance” by STE to address labor demands presented by the sindicato.
Phase 1 of the Staggered Strike
In this initial phase, the internal operations of the Structures area within the depots are halted, while STE’s service units continue providing transportation to the citizenry. Gerardo Martínez, General Secretary of ATM, clarified in an interview that “for now, internal areas of the Electric Transport Service are suspended, specifically the structures workshop. Units are out working, but the service work is on hold. If there’s no response, the strike will progress to other areas, including workshops, offices, and eventually could be total.”
ATM’s Objective: Protecting Workers’ Rights, Not User Disruption
The ATM emphasized that their movement’s goal is not to affect users but to exercise their right to protest due to the lack of response from Mexico City authorities. The union has previously notified relevant government bodies—Jefatura de Gobierno, Secretaría de Gobierno, Secretaría de Movilidad, and STE’s General Director—about contract breaches and the reasons for their discontent.
Martínez, the union leader, stated, “The workers of the Alianza de Tranviarios de México have always sought the security and strength of Mexico City. We need firm responses from authorities.”
Call for Dialogue to Resolve Labor Conflict
The ATM has urged authorities to establish an immediate dialogue table to resolve the labor conflict, benefiting both workers and users of Mexico City’s electric transportation system.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Alianza de Tranviarios de México (ATM)? ATM is a labor union representing streetcar workers in Mexico City, advocating for improved working conditions and fair wages.
- Why is ATM striking? ATM is protesting against STE’s failure to address labor demands, including contract breaches and unmet worker grievances.
- What is the nature of the staggered strike? The initial phase involves halting internal operations in the Structures Department while service units continue operating. Future phases may include workshops, offices, and a complete strike if no response is received from authorities.
- What are ATM’s primary objectives? ATM aims to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment, not to disrupt transportation services for users.
- What action is ATM taking to resolve the conflict? ATM calls for immediate dialogue with authorities to address labor issues and benefit both workers and transportation users.
