Protests and road blockades stemming from unmet demands by workers affiliated with the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de Poderes, Municipios e Instituciones Descentralizadas del Estado de México (SUTEYM) have been causing significant disruptions throughout Ecatepec, Mexico, for over two days. The protests commenced on the morning of December 18, 2024, when around 4,100 municipal workers took to key roadways to voice their discontent over unpaid wages and missing benefits.
With blockades on major thoroughfares like Avenida López Portillo, Vía Morelos, and Lechería-Texcoco, the situation has rapidly escalated as workers refuse to budge until their demands are finally addressed. They claim it has been years since they have received their due payments, some going back as far as 2019. "No nos vamos a levantar, no nos vamos a mover hasta que no le paguen a Sapase y nos paguen las retenciones. De verdad que no sabemos dónde están estas retenciones si son cosas que nos quitan cada 15 días, ¿por qué las tienen ellos?" stated Juan Gabriel Licona, the Secretary of Development Finance for SUTEYM, conveying the frustrations surrounding their situation.
The blockades have generated intense traffic congestion and public outcry, as many locals are unable to access their workplaces or homes. One resident reported, "Venimos desde la Cuauhtémoc caminando. Ayer fue lo mismo, me quedé esperando la salida del camión y tuve que caminar para agarrar el otro," illustrating the daily struggles faced by citizens caught up amid the protest.
Meanwhile, many commuters and transport operators have expressed their frustrations as they honk horns and shout insults at the protesting workers. Reports indicate some have even threatened to drive their trucks through the blockade, demonstrating the high tensions the situation has bred. While the community’s grievances are palpable, some sympathize with the workers' plight. Posts on social media reflect mixed opinions; many acknowledge the workers' rights to protest but also articulate their urgencies to commute freely.
Adding to the complexity of the protest is the silence from municipal authorities. Despite multiple attempts at dialogue, including meetings with representatives from the government, no satisfactory agreements have been reached. One official mentioned, "A pesar de que ya hubo dos mesas de diálogo no hay acuerdos," confirming the stalemate between the union and the municipal leaders.
The frustration has led workers to voice their demands more vocally, insisting on direct intervention from the governor of the State of Mexico, Delfina Gómez, to help resolve their issues. Their demands include not only pending wages but also missing bonuses and holiday payments. Potential agreements promised by the state for timely compensation have yet to materialize, aggravting the workers and prolonging their demonstrations.
Meanwhile, local businesses and public services have suffered immensely. Residents are walking considerable distances just to reach basic services or their homes. Services provided by the Mexibús have been partially suspended, complicates commutes for those reliant on public transportation.
Adding to local challenges, these protests are also impacting water delivery systems, hindering the delivery of water to thirsty neighborhoods. Workers from the municipal water service express their frustration, acknowledging how the protests prevent trucks from reaching their destinations.
SUTEYM members continue to stand firm, citing the contextual reality of their situation as justification for the disruption. Pedestrian routes have been almost entirely blocked, with reports estimating the chaos has persisted for more than 36 hours. Pedro César Motoya, the secretary general of SUTEYM, remarked, "La situación se agrava por la falta de pagos en SAPASE, lo que ha intensificado la protesta y prolongado el conflicto," reiteraming their commitment to the fight for rightful payments.
To mitigate the crisis, alternative routes are being advised for commuters to avoid the affected areas, yet many are still finding themselves caught amid unexpected delays. The unions are adamant about maintaining their blockade until their demands are met, with no clear indication as to when the situation will be resolved.
This situation serves as a reminder of the broader issues of labor rights and the need for fair compensation, especially as tensions rise within the community. Whether this protest will lead to constructive dialogue or continue to drive wedges between citizens and their elected officials remains to be seen.
