**Bureaucrats Block Access to Baja California Center in Protest Over ISSSTECALI Reform**
On Wednesday, November 27, 2024, approximately 400 bureaucrats from municipal and state sectors, along with retirees, disrupted the weekly press conference of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. They were protesting against proposed reforms to ISSSTECALI, the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Government Workers in Baja California. The demonstrators blocked access to the parking lot of the Baja California Center, where the conference was being held.
Upon the protesters’ arrival, chants of “No to the reform” echoed through the venue, prompting Governor Ávila Olmeda to leave the premises. Addressing the concerns, she assured, “To all workers, we respect you greatly and guarantee that your rights will not be affected. There is no reform proposal, only dialogue and consensus.”
Despite attempts by the governor’s security team to prevent the protesters’ entry, they were led into the building by Guillermo Aldrete Casarín, the General Secretary of the Bureaucrats’ Union. Following the disruption, representatives from the state government, including Miguel Ángel Badiola and Alejandro Arregui, convened with Aldrete for discussions. After two hours, an agreement was reached—a promise that workers would not need to work until 68 and their pension funds would not be managed by private administrators. Aldrete confirmed these commitments will be documented, and a strike is planned if the state fails to sign the agreement by Thursday at 8:00 a.m.
### Secondary Story: Potential Infrastructure Impacts and Broader Concerns
In related developments, bureaucrats are considering further protests, which could include paralyzing border crossings and taking control of toll booths. These additional actions aim to pressure authorities to halt the reforms and ensure ISSSTECALI’s financial health is reviewed before any changes are enacted.
The regional government is preparing for possible protests, including traffic disruptions at border crossings. Efforts to improve traffic flow around critical areas like Otay to Rosas Magallón boulevard are underway to mitigate potential impacts. In a bid to broaden understanding and resolve concerns, the state is working to enhance transparency about financial reviews of ISSSTECALI prior to any advancement of reform proposals.
While protests continue, broader discussions include ensuring labor disputes are resolved in early stages through mandatory conciliation, avoiding lengthy legal disputes. This has been effective in defusing many potential conflicts.
As these issues unfold, the administration emphasizes maintaining open channels of conversation with all stakeholders to ensure stability and trust in public sector reforms.