MEXICO CITY – Unionized workers of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) launched a large-scale sit-in and protest on Friday, paralyzing major arteries in the capital following a failed attempt to reach an agreement with the federal government over wages and working conditions.
The demonstration, centered in the city’s primary business and transit corridor, Paseo de la Reforma, has resulted in significant traffic disruptions. Roadways remain closed in both directions near the Toledo area in the Juárez neighborhood, with closures extending from the Diana Cazadora zone to the Circuito Interior.
The unrest follows a marathon seven-hour meeting at the Secretariat of the Interior (Segob), which concluded without a resolution. Protesters subsequently occupied the IMSS headquarters, erecting tents and camps to maintain a continuous presence.
Core Demands and Labor Friction
The primary point of contention is a proposed salary increase of 2.9% for the 2026-2027 period. Workers are demanding a 10% hike, characterizing the government’s offer as insufficient. Their grievances extend beyond pay, including demands for:
Increased access to medication and medical supplies.
Better furniture and infrastructure within facilities.
Improved overall working conditions.
A comprehensive review of retirement and pension (Afore) policies.
Respect for union rights and the convening of an extraordinary national congress.
While the workers have issued a call for a nationwide strike, they have clarified that “indispensable services”—such as emergency rooms, surgeries, and hospitalizations—must remain operational. However, they confirmed that staged work stoppages have already begun at approximately 20 medical units across the country.
Institutional Context and Growth
The protests arrive at a pivotal moment for the IMSS. The organization recently reached a record high of 22.93 million affiliates, driven by a surge in formal employment in September, which saw the creation of over 128,000 new jobs—more than triple the previous month’s figures.
Simultaneously, the IMSS is under scrutiny for public health concerns. The agency announced a nationwide review of its 77 neonatal intensive care units. This move comes as an independent audit investigates whether hospital-acquired infections were linked to the deaths of several newborns at a hospital in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Government Response
The Secretariat of the Interior has reiterated its readiness to maintain a dialogue but maintains that it cannot intervene in the internal affairs of the labor union. The government confirmed that the proposed 2.9% pay increase will be submitted to a worker vote on October 14.