Mexican Government Agrees to Negotiate with Unions; Support Requested

The Mexican government has agree to enter negotiations to resolve two major labor conflicts, one with the Mexican Electrical Workers Union (SME) and one with the Mexican Miners and Metal Workers Union (SNTMMRM).   The second conflict dates back to a strike launched in 2007 that has been marred by violence while the basis of the former was the government’s liquidation in October 2009 of the Light and Power Company and the mass firing of 44,000 workers.   The government of President Calderon has taken a particularly aggressive position against independent unions like the SME and SNTMMRM.

The government agreed to negotiate following SME’s agreement to lift a hunger strike.   International unions have joined together to support both unions, launching a campaign through Labour Start and asking individuals and organizations TO TAKE ACTION. 

For more information on both struggles, see the United Electrical Workers.