IMSS Workers in Cancún March to Demand Higher Pay, Supplies and Staffing

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Around 1,000 unionized workers at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) marched through the streets of Cancún on Thursday to demand better working conditions, higher wages and more resources for the public health system.

The demonstration brought together active employees and retirees of the institute, who carried banners and chanted slogans as they moved through the city.

Workers called for a salary increase larger than the one already agreed, along with more medicines, supplies, staff and infrastructure. They said they are currently working under overcrowded conditions.

March From Hospital to Union Offices

The crowd gathered early outside the Hospital de Ginecopediatría, located at the intersection of José López Portillo and Kabah avenues. From there, the group advanced with banners and placards to the union’s offices on Puerto Juárez avenue in Region 92, where they delivered a list of demands.

One of the most repeated chants was: “Don’t get sick — we don’t have supplies.” Marchers also shouted, “People, listen, this is your fight too.”

Among the demands displayed on their banners were a greater supply of medical materials, a direct salary increase, sufficient staffing and respect for their freedom of expression. They also raised the issue of retirement funds for former workers.

Retirees Say Pension Payments Fall Short

Lucía López Ek, a nurse and state coordinator of the “Jubilados en Pie de Lucha” (Retirees Standing and Fighting) movement, said the dispute over retirement funds dates back to 2019.

She said the raises granted to working employees have not been reflected in retirees’ pensions.

“They stole the money in the retirement fund,” López Ek said during the protest.

She noted that her contract states retirement savings should be paid out in a single lump sum, but said that has not happened for retired workers. The retirees are also asking for an immediate adjustment to their pensions.

Patients in Hallways, No Pediatricians

Protesters also pointed to problems in medical care. López Ek said the hospital lacks staff, medicines and infrastructure.

“We have patients in the hallways and there are no pediatricians,” she said.

She described the march as a way to draw attention to those conditions. “We have to do this so they hear us, so they see that our voice matters,” she said.

Rafael González, the union’s conflicts secretary, said the protest does not affect patients, because participants took part outside their working hours. He also stressed that the march was not directed against the union, saying workers were acting under statutes that allow them to file petitions and raise grievances with their union representatives.

October 15 Deadline for Wage Talks

González said the first step is to request dialogue with the union and to have their representatives push for a larger salary increase. He said the deadline for agreeing on a raise is October 15, leaving time for talks.

He acknowledged the shortage of infrastructure, supplies and staff, and said the shortfalls contrast with the region’s population growth.

The march ended without incident. Municipal police officers escorted the group along the route.