**Issstecali Workers Declare Indefinite Strike**
As of Friday, November 15th, 2024, the administrative staff at the Institute of Security and Social Services for the Workers of the Government and Municipalities of the State (Issstecali) has embarked on an indefinite strike. This action is driven by the absence of a promised salary increase and overdue retroactive payments for 2024. Starting at 8 a.m., all offices of the Institute were affected by the strike. Guillermo Aldrete Casarín, the Secretary-General of the Bureaucrats Union, confirmed that medical services will continue to operate normally during this period.
The strike involves approximately 1,800 administrative workers across the state. Anabel Mendez, a nurse at the Institute, pointed out that the retroactive payments should have been fulfilled by May. Moreover, the workers have voiced their opposition to a proposed reform to the Issstecali law by the state government, which suggests increasing the retirement age from 60 to 68 years and incorporating workers into the Afores system.
Aldrete Casarín further revealed that discussions are ongoing with opposition lawmakers in the local Congress to initiate an audit of the Institute, which is already underway. He also warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, the strike could extend to other government sectors.
**Secondary Update: Ongoing Discontent Over Proposed State Reforms**
This strike comes amid persistent tension over various proposed changes impacting government-employed individuals. Particularly controversial is the proposal to modify the retirement age, which many see as an erosion of workers’ rights. Officials have defended these proposals as necessary for financial sustainability, but they have faced fierce resistance from worker unions.
Meanwhile, the audit of the Institute is being closely watched, as many hope it will reveal longstanding financial discrepancies and lead to reformative measures. The government insists that these moves are in line with necessary fiscal policies, but the workers argue that they are being unfairly targeted and sidelined.
In related news, there is rising concern about operational disruptions that could affect other areas if the strike continues without resolution. Stakeholders await further announcements and outcomes from ongoing negotiations between union leaders and government officials.