Background on the SITUAM and its Relevance
The Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadores de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (SITUAM) represents the employees at the University of the Americas Metropolitan Area (UAM). The union, led by Secretary General Arturo León Velasco, has been in negotiations with the university administration for 11 sessions regarding wage increases and structural worker issues.
The Current Wage Dispute
In a press conference held at the Club of Journalists, León Velasco stated that the university’s stance during negotiations does not address the loss of purchasing power or the structural arrears faced by workers. The university administration proposed a 4% direct salary increase, accompanied by a 2% pondered tabular adjustment and an additional 0.7% emergency increment.
However, these proposed changes fall far short of SITUAM’s central demands. The union seeks a 30% direct salary increase and a 20% tabular adjustment for all base workers. According to SITUAM, accepting the UAM’s conditions would normalize labor precarity and support the university with underpaid employees, contradicting its own discourse of academic excellence.
Additional Grievances
Beyond the wage dispute, SITUAM has also filed a third complaint for violations of the Contrato Colectivo de Trabajo (CCT). The union has more than 100 demands, including theft of work materials, labor violence, and irregular hiring practices, particularly in rapidly growing units like Lerma.
Next Steps and International Solidarity
SITUAM plans to approach the Centro Federal de Conciliación y Registro Laboral to finalize agreement proposals, which will then be put to a vote by secret ballot in accordance with the Ley Federal del Trabajo.
During the press conference, SITUAM expressed solidarity with international colleagues from Panama who have faced unjust separation after participating in strikes for social security. The Panamanian representatives warned of the criminalization of social protest and cautioned that similar austerity and repression policies could spread across the region if there is no collective response.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The SITUAM is dissatisfied with the university’s 4% wage increase offer, deeming it insufficient and disconnected from workers’ needs.
- What are SITUAM’s demands? The union seeks a 30% direct salary increase and a 20% tabular adjustment for all base workers.
- What other grievances does SITUAM have? The union has filed a third complaint for violations of the CCT, including theft of work materials, labor violence, and irregular hiring practices.
- What are SITUAM’s next steps? The union plans to approach the Centro Federal de Conciliación y Registro Laboral and put agreement proposals to a secret ballot vote.
- What is the deadline for avoiding a strike? The deadline to avoid a strike at UAM is February 1, 2026, at 11:00 PM.
