**Baja California’s Secretary of Culture Responds to Allegations: “There Is No Harassment”**
Baja California’s Secretary of Culture, Alma Delia Ábrego Ceballos, has addressed accusations from workers at the Instituto de Servicios Culturales regarding alleged “harassment” and “workplace bullying.” A second protest took place on November 11, 2024, led by union delegate Altagracia López and other employees outside the Institute premises. The protesters demanded respect and clarity about vacant positions and expressed their concerns through placards with messages such as “We want to work in peace” and “We are not furniture, we are people.”
Altagracia López detailed her experience, stating she faced threats of administrative action over unfulfilled document submissions, which she claims were unjustly imposed to blemish her pristine work record of over two decades. She voiced the stress and pressure felt by many employees, with over 40 workers either dismissed or resigning under Ábrego Ceballos’ administration, citing adverse working conditions.
In response, Ábrego Ceballos, during an interview, denied any form of harassment, explaining that the changes in the department are part of a necessary reorganization due to a new cultural policy direction and increased federal funding. She emphasized that adjustments in staff roles are based on institutional needs rather than personal whims. She reassured that any uncomfortable moves could be reconsidered and stated her commitment to personally address any grievances the staff might have.
**Secondary Article: New Developments in Baja California’s Cultural Sector**
**Cultural Department Undergoes Reorganization Amid Controversy**
Recent protests in Baja California’s cultural sector spotlight the challenges faced by the local cultural administration under Secretary Alma Delia Ábrego Ceballos. Protestors highlight issues of workload distribution and staff treatment, alleging an environment of intimidation. Ábrego Ceballos, in defense, attributes the unrest to resistance against substantial changes aimed at modernizing and streamlining the department’s functioning to better respond to new funding and priorities.
Despite the unrest, Ábrego Ceballos has implemented strategic changes she believes are crucial for the sustainability and growth of cultural initiatives in Baja California. These include a significant staff realignment to better manage an influx of federal resources aimed at expanding cultural outreach and engagement. She has expressed a willingness to dialogue with discontented staff while emphasizing her vision for an active, community-engaged cultural department.
This situation underlines the broader national discussion on public sector reformation in response to evolving federal policies, as seen in other segments of government. Experts predict that the outcome of these cultural department shifts could serve as a model—or cautionary tale—for similar initiatives in other states.
**Further Reading:**
– Analysis on the impact of federal funding on local cultural initiatives.
– The role of public sector unions in negotiating workforce changes.
– Comparative study of cultural policy adjustments across Mexican states.