Background on the University Autonomous Metropolitan (UAM)
The University Autonomous Metropolitan (UAM) is a prominent institution of higher education located in Mexico City, boasting over 50,000 students across its five campuses. The university employs more than 2,000 workers represented by the Independent Union, who are currently engaged in a strike action.
Strike Demands and Negotiations
The union has presented three strike notices, demanding a 30% salary increase, a 20% revaluation, and an adjustment to the collective labor contract. These demands aim to protect and improve the livelihoods of over 2,000 employees working across UAM’s five campuses.
On December 11, both parties agreed on the negotiation rules and the mechanics for plenary meetings. The meetings are chaired by Esthela Irene Sotelo Núñez, the UAM Secretary General, and Arturo León Velasco, the Independent Union’s Secretary General.
Point 12 of their agreement required the Rectorate to submit its proposals “in a timely manner” for the union leadership to analyze and consult with their members. Sotelo Núñez presented her “comprehensive proposal” on December 17, two days before the deadline.
UAM’s Proposed Adjustments
The proposal includes a direct 4% salary increase for base academic and administrative staff, along with a 3% adjustment to the part-time and partial-time faculty tabulator. Additionally, a weighted 2% adjustment to the base administrative staff tabulator is proposed, complemented by an additional 0.7% salary improvement.
The offer acknowledges that inflation is no longer a macroeconomic figure but a daily pressure on households. Alongside the proposed salary adjustments, it incorporates social measures aimed at reinforcing real income and worker certainty:
- 6% increase in monthly meal vouchers
- Progressive update of cash meal allowances for 2026 and 2027
- 11% increase in the annual in-kind family consumption voucher and support
- Strengthening of comprehensive family assistance and a substantial improvement to the retirement fund
These measures are not merely immediate compensation but a long-term stability bet for the over 4,000 unionized collaborators at Mexico City’s leading higher education institution.
The proposal also prioritizes the personal lives of the university community, suggesting extended parental leave, improved newborn care packages (including fathers), and longer leaves for caring for family members with disabilities.
Related Developments
Political Marginalization: Adriana Padilla Mendoza
Adriana Padilla Mendoza, a prominent candidate for Baja California’s Congress representing the Green Party in Tijuana’s District XII, was sidelined by the local pevemist leadership aligned with Jorge Hank. Instead of complaining about political violence, Padilla Mendoza opted to run as an independent, expressing gratitude to Tijuana’s citizens for their support.
Public Transportation Fare Increase: Jalisco State
Following the examples set by Mexico City and the State of Mexico, Jalisco implemented a public transportation fare hike from 9.50 to 14 pesos, starting April. However, users of the Única al Estilo Jalisco card, managed by Broxel services, will receive a subsidy.
Broxel not only supplies the payment method but also manages user data, administers beneficiary records, and handles personal and biometric information for millions of people. With projections of up to five million cards in circulation until 2030, Broxel stands to earn over 300 million pesos annually from card maintenance fees.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue at hand? The Independent Union at UAM is on strike, demanding a 30% salary increase, a 20% revaluation, and adjustments to the collective labor contract for over 2,000 employees.
- Who are the key figures in negotiations? Esthela Irene Sotelo Núñez, UAM Secretary General, and Arturo León Velasco, Independent Union Secretary General, are leading the negotiations.
- What adjustments has UAM proposed? UAM suggested a 4% salary increase for base staff, a 3% tabulator adjustment for part-time faculty, and a weighted 2% tabulator adjustment for base administrative staff, complemented by an additional 0.7% salary improvement.
- What social measures are proposed? Measures include increased meal vouchers, progressive cash meal allowance updates, higher in-kind family consumption vouchers, strengthened family assistance, and improved retirement fund.
- What are the related developments? Adriana Padilla Mendoza, a Green Party candidate in Baja California, was marginalized by local pevemist leadership. Jalisco State increased public transportation fares, with card provider Broxel set to benefit financially from the change.
