Ecatepec has been engulfed by protests as workers from the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de los Poderes, Municipios e Instituciones Descentralizadas del Estado de México (SUTEYM) take action for unpaid salaries and benefits. On December 26, 2024, the protest escalated when members of the union seized the San Cristóbal toll booth on the Mexico-Pachuca highway.
These protests follow last week’s significant blockades on multiple roads leading to and from the municipality, which aimed to draw attention to the government’s failure to fulfill payment agreements made on December 24, 2024. Frustrated by unfulfilled promises, the workers coordinated their latest actions at the toll booth to facilitate traffic flow, contrary to methods employed earlier.
During the assembly prior to the takeover of the toll booth, the SUTEYM members decided to allow free passage for vehicles, marking a shift from their previous strategy of shutting down important arterial routes within Ecatepec. “We regret to inform you about the collapse we will cause on Thursday, December 26, due to the lack of payment by the municipal administration,” SUTEYM declared, highlighting their determination to pressure authorities without excessively burdening local motorists.
The protest stems from the government’s failure to pay workers their due salaries for December, along with bonuses and vacation pay. Pedro César Montoya, the Secretary General of SUTEYM, confirmed the situation, stating, "No new blockades are planned for today, but we are still very much on alert for future actions if our demands are not met.” He explained the arduous administrative hurdles the union faced, citing the government’s claims of insufficient conditions to process payments.
Previously, blocks covered significant routes such as Avenida Central and the Lechería-Texcoco highway but were lifted after reaching agreements with government representatives. Workers had spent over 40 hours protesting, marking their discontent and unwillingness to accept postponed payments. This culminated recently with their gradual withdrawal from blockades, signifying negotiations had progressed to some degree.
Despite lifting the blockades, workers remain vigilant and ready to react should the municipal administration fail to resolve outstanding payments. Montoya stated, “We will mobilize until the payments are processed. Right now, we can’t even provide deadlines for when this will conclude, but we are certain we will keep fighting.”
Behind these protests lies the daily struggle of nearly one thousand workers predominantly from the local water services agency, SAPASE. Their financial realities have been deeply affected by the delay and refusal of the state to honor its commitments to pay salaries and bonuses. The union insists on the necessity of these funds for their livelihoods.
Although current measures focus on toll booth occupation rather than severe blockades, the message to local authorities remains clear: the situation will remain tense, and readiness to escalate protests is imminent if debts to workers continue unresolved. “It’s been hard for us to keep calm when our rights are being neglected,” voiced one union member, accentuating the widespread dissatisfaction among the labor force.
Looking to the coming days, the SUTEYM union emphasizes maintaining their actions under public visibility, with plans for coordinated meetings to decide next steps. The union has already stated it would not proceed with any actions harmful to the local community, reiteratively requesting truckers and motorists to remain informed about potential changes.
The backdrop of this continuing unrest reflects broader labor issues within the public sector, where many workers nationwide face similar challenges with unfulfilled agreements and delayed compensations. The sit-in tactics originally initiated by Ecatepec workers could become emblematic of wider calls for reform within labor rights, urging local governments across Mexico to reassess their commitments to workers.
Unresolved issues continue to plague the administration as it balances fiscal constraints with the demands of the labor force, already disrupted by the lack of response to formal agreements and growing discontent among workers. It is uncertain when or how these issues will get resolved, but one thing is clear: SUTEYM’s resolve to fight for their rightful payments is far from over.
