On the morning of December 18, 2024, the streets of Ecatepec, State of Mexico, were brought to a standstill as over 4,000 municipal workers initiated widespread protests and road blockades. The workers, affiliated with the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de Poderes, Municipios e Instituciones Descentralizadas del Estado de México (SUTEYM), are demanding overdue payments from the municipal administration and the local water supply agency, SAPASE, which has caused massive traffic disruptions throughout the region.
The workers issued communications to the public, citing the failure to receive their salaries, year-end bonuses (aguinaldos), vacation pay, and other benefits as the primary impetus for their actions. “This situation has seriously undermined labor rights, as there has been no payment of wages, aguinaldo, vacation premiums, and food vouchers,” stated SUTEYM representatives.
The blockades began at approximately 6:00 AM and affected major thoroughfares including Avenida Central, Periférico, and Vía Morelos. These key roadways serve as lifelines connecting Ecatepec to neighboring areas and to Mexico City, significantly increasing the stakes of these disruptions. Notably, the Mexibús, the region’s public transport service, suspended operations at several stations during the protests, forcing many commuters to abandon their vehicles and make the trek on foot to their destinations.
Among the affected roads was Avenida Central, where traffic was choked as commercial and private vehicles came to a halt. Witnesses reported hostility from some protesters toward motorists attempting to plead for passage. Social media was flooded with images depicting bottlenecks and frustrated drivers, highlighting the severity of the situation.
César Garcidueñas Ponce, the SUTEYM Secretary for Political Affairs, stressed the importance of the protests, explaining the historical aspects behind the union’s grievances. “We were here doing the same thing just over a month ago. We reached agreements with the authorities, including the Mayor, who promised to pay us on time. Clearly, these promises have not been fulfilled,” he lamented.
The protestors did not limit their blockade to just one location but implemented shutdowns at five strategic points across Ecatepec. The protests encompassed areas such as La Gasolinera, Lechería-Texcoco, and Venta de Carpio, creating parallel delays and aggravations for drivers trying to find alternate routes.
Despite the significant impact on daily commutes, protest leaders asserted they would not return to work until their demands were met. They firmly believe the delay of wages has been excessively prolonged, leaving them no choice but to escalate their actions. “We want the governor to meet with us. These local leaders have been deceitful, and we need intervention from the state to guarantee our rights,” Garcidueñas continued.
With no clear indication of when these road blockages will cease, many local residents find themselves scrambling for alternative routes. Officials have suggested using toll highways such as the Circuito Exterior Mexiquense and Chamapa Lechería, though access remains complicated due to the heightened traffic.
The gravity of the situation has also sparked various reactions from the public, many of whom expressed their exasperation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Some shared stories of missed appointments, hospitals, and jobs, attributing their delays directly to the protests. “These blockades make no sense; we just want to get to work!” was one sentiment echoed by frustrated commuters.
Municipal authorities are facing mounting pressure to resolve the situation swiftly. Tweets from SUTEYM have warned of continued actions if the local government does not respond to their appeals effectively and immediately. Further complicity on the part of the government may lead to more drastic measures being taken by the union.
Residents are advised to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly as the blockades are expected to continue until the workers reach satisfactorily addressed agreements. The SUTEYM has emphasized their commitment to the cause and relayed their frustration, aiming for attention to the persistent labor violations they claim have persisted for years.
The scene remains one of tension as workers continue to reinforce their plight for overdue wages and respect for labor rights. The protests have become emblematic of broader issues surrounding labor rights and municipal accountability within one of Mexico's most populous regions.
