## Potential Approval of ISSSTECALI Reform by Early 2025: Baja California Governor Comments
The Governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, recently announced the possibility that the reform of the ISSSTECALI (Institute of Social Security and Services for State Workers and Municipalities) could be approved within the first quarter of 2025. Initially, the ideal scenario was to have the reform passed by December of this year, but various factors have delayed the process.
In a statement, Governor Ávila Olmeda expressed hopes that the necessary discussions and resolutions could occur early next year. “Let’s aim to have it approved in the first trimester of the forthcoming year, ensuring we address concerns and participate in essential discussions so everyone remains at ease,” she remarked.
The delay comes amidst protests and demands from state bureaucrats, who managed to secure commitments from the governor after staging a strike on November 28. Among their demands was the assurance that the pension system not be managed by Afores (private pension fund administrators) and that the retirement age not be increased to 68, which the governor referred to as a misunderstanding.
Governor Ávila Olmeda reiterated that, as of now, no draft for the reform exists, and she emphasized the prevalence of misinformation surrounding the changes. She asserted that recent documentation and statements aimed to clarify doubts among bureaucrats and educators, asserting that the reforms are designed to benefit them by stabilizing the institute.
Moreover, it has been agreed that debtors to the ISSSTECALI are expected to repay over 6.5 billion pesos, a critical issue for the institution’s financial health. Governor Ávila Olmeda emphasized that no decisions have been made without consent, and the concerns circulating among the workers were baseless rumors.
## Recent Developments on ISSSTECALI Reform:
### Government and Union Collaboration
Following the bureaucrat protest, both the Baja California government and the union have agreed to work together on rescuing the ISSSTECALI. This collaboration is deemed essential to address and solve the ongoing financial and administrative issues that the institution faces.
### Union Concerns and Clarifications
Recently, unionized workers from Tecate joined the statewide strike, highlighting the widespread concern over the proposed reforms. However, subsequent discussions and clarifications by the government aimed to alleviate these worries and ensure that no sudden or unapproved changes would occur.
The state leadership is focused on fostering open communication and collaboration with unions to ensure that reforms are designed and implemented in a way that supports both the institution’s longevity and the employees it serves. Further meetings and consultations are planned to refine and agree on the details of the reform, supportive of the long-term interests of ISSSTECALI participants.