Background on Key Players and Their Relevance
The Mexican capital, Mexico City, is experiencing labor tension, particularly in the transportation sector. The Alianza de Tranviarios de México (ATM) is determined to go on strike, demanding a 16.5% direct salary increase to dignify the work of its members. They also insist that this increase applies to retired pensioners and has retroactive effect from January 21, 2026.
In contrast, the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM) successfully avoided a conflict after a majority vote by its workforce, preventing any disruption to their academic activities. The ATM rejected the initial proposal from the Dirección del Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos (STE) of Mexico City, presented to the Secretaría de Movilidad, deeming it insufficient to address an outdated wage tabulator.
Who is Gerardo Martínez and Why is He Relevant?
Gerardo Martínez, the general secretary of ATM, appealed to Mexico City’s Chief of Government, Clara Brugada Molina, urging immediate intervention to prevent the suspension of Trolebús, Tren Ligero, and Cablebús services.
ATM vs. UAM: A Tale of Two Labor Disputes
The Alianza de Tranviarios de México (ATM) insists on a 16.5% direct salary increase, along with an extension of this raise to pensioners and retroactive effect from January 21, 2026. Their determination to strike stems from an insufficient wage tabulator proposal by the Dirección del Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos (STE) of Mexico City.
SITUAM Decides Against Strike
Meanwhile, the Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadores de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (SITUAM) decided not to strike following a vote on the 2026 Review and Salary Contract. With 75.6% of the 3,195 represented workers voting in favor of the agreement with the institution, the union will proceed to sign seven agreement projects addressing topics like temporary academic staff, newly created positions, and labor violence cases.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue between ATM and STE? The ATM demands a 16.5% direct salary increase, application of the raise to pensioners, and retroactive effect from January 21, 2026. They deem the initial proposal by STE insufficient.
- Why is Gerardo Martínez relevant? As the general secretary of ATM, he appealed to Mexico City’s Chief of Government to prevent service suspension in Trolebús, Tren Ligero, and Cablebús.
- What led SITUAM to avoid a strike? Following a vote, 75.6% of SITUAM’s represented workers voted in favor of the agreement with UAM, leading to the signing of seven projects addressing various labor concerns.
