Politics · Mexico · 1 day ago
IMSS workers protest over pay and shortages in Mexico
Doctors and nurses who work for Mexico’s Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), along with some retired and pensioned workers, protested in at least 18 states.
They want a 10% pay rise, medicines and supplies for medical units, and the removal of union leader Rafael Olivos Hernández.
The protests follow an agreement for a 6.8% salary increase for 2026–27, below the increase protesters are seeking.
Workers blocked roads in several areas, including Mexico City, and some gathered outside the IMSS headquarters.
Government officials tried to restart talks with the union members, but the effort did not succeed.
Union members are due to vote on October 14 on whether they support the agreed pay increase.
Some workers were considering continuing their sit-in outside the IMSS headquarters.
IMSS doctors, nurses, retirees and pensioners protested in at least 18 Mexican states over pay and shortages of medicines and medical supplies.
They demanded a 10% salary increase, compared with the 6.8% increase agreed for 2026–2027.
Some protesters also called for the removal of union leader Rafael Olivos Hernández.
Demonstrations included road blockades, including 20 in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
A union official said members would be consulted on October 14 about whether to support the pay increase.
- Who
- Unionized IMSS doctors and nurses, along with retirees and pensioners, protested.
- What
- They demanded a 10% pay increase and supplies for medical units, and some called for union leader Rafael Olivos Hernández to be removed.
- When
- Demonstrations were reported on October 9, with protests in Michoacán and Morelos on October 8. A union consultation was planned for October 14.
- Where
- At least 18 Mexican states, including Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
- Why
- Protesters objected to the agreed 6.8% pay increase and demanded medicines and supplies for their work.
IMSS workers protesting
SNTSS union leadership
Pay increase
IMSS workers protesting
Protesters demanded a 10% salary increase.
SNTSS union leadership
Union leader Rafael Olivos Hernández had agreed to a 6.8% increase for 2026–2027.
Union leadership
IMSS workers protesting
Some protesters called for Olivos Hernández’s removal.
SNTSS union leadership
Adrián Manjarrez Lafarga said members would be consulted on October 14 about whether they supported the increase.
In the pandemic they called me a hero, today they call me a criminal
Don't get sick, we have no supplies
Olivos, listen, the rank and file rejects you
The salary increase was 6.8%, which affects not only these more than 475,000 unionized workers, but also our retired and pensioned colleagues
Demonstrations took place in Michoacán and Morelos.
Protests and road closures were reported in at least 18 states.
A consultation was planned for union members to decide whether to support the salary increase.
- States
- At least 18
- Workers affected
- More than 475,000 unionized workers, according to a union official
- Pay increase agreed
- 6.8% for 2026–2027
- Pay increase demanded
- 10%
- Road blockades
- 20 in Mexico City and the State of Mexico
Sources
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