Miners Triumph Over Union: Carlos Pavón Campos Confirms $55 Million Fund Belongs to Workers

Web Editor

May 5, 2025

a man in a suit and tie making a face with his mouth open and a microphone in front of him, Carlos F

Background on Carlos Pavón Campos and His Relevance

Carlos Pavón Campos, the current leader of the “Frente” Miners Union, has been a significant figure in labor disputes within the mining industry. With a history dating back almost two decades, Pavón Campos has worked alongside Napoleon Gómez Urrutia, another prominent labor leader. His recent statements confirm that the $55 million fund is rightfully owned by the workers, dispelling any lingering doubts.

Pavón Campos’ Statements on the Fund

In an interview following the arbitration ruling in a lawsuit filed by miners against the Napoleon Gómez Urrutia-led union, Pavón Campos stated firmly: “It has been duly proven that the money belongs to the workers. This is a reality.” He further explained that those who received payments, ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 pesos (if any discrepancy existed), must be compensated by the union.

Abandoning the Myth of Persecution

Pavón Campos pointed out that throughout the legal process, Group Mexico and Banco Scotiabank were entirely exonerated from any involvement in the fideicomiso. He emphasized that this ruling debunks the myth of Gómez Urrutia being persecuted for defending workers’ rights.

Three “Strikes” That Are No Longer Strikes

The miner leader, who holds contracts with companies like Peñoles, mentioned progress in one of the long-standing lawsuits that have been in court for nearly two decades. However, three famous “strikes” persist, each nearing their 18th anniversary.

Cananea Strike

Regarding the Cananea strike, Pavón Campos noted that workers have been back on the job for some time. The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation and the Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Board had previously issued a ruling terminating all labor relationships and individual contracts for the workers. This ruling was later ratified by the Supreme Court, leaving no further action to be taken.

San Martín Sombrerete Strike

In San Martín Sombrerete, Pavón Campos explained that most workers have returned to their jobs or received payments. Only around 60 individuals claim to be on strike, despite the mine being operational.

Taxco Strike

Regarding the Taxco strike, Pavón Campos pointed out that the company had sought to terminate the collective contract due to a lack of mineral reserves just before the strike initiation. With around 70-80 individuals still claiming to be on strike, the mine’s future remains uncertain due to the absence of mineral reserves and past looting of the facility.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is Carlos Pavón Campos? Carlos Pavón Campos is the current leader of the “Frente” Miners Union, who has been involved in labor disputes within the mining industry for nearly two decades.
  • What is the dispute about? The main issue revolves around a $55 million fund, with Pavón Campos confirming that it rightfully belongs to the workers.
  • What are the three strikes mentioned? The strikes in Cananea, San Martín Sombrerete, and Taxco have persisted for nearly 18 years, with varying degrees of worker participation and mine operations.
  • What is the current status of these strikes? The Cananea strike has largely ended, with most workers returning to their jobs. San Martín Sombrerete and Taxco strikes continue, though with diminished participation and operational mines.