**Workers of Issstecali Launch Indefinite Strike**
On Friday, November 15, 2024, administrative workers from the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Government and Municipality Workers (Issstecali) initiated an indefinite strike in response to the state government’s proposed pension reform. The protest, which lasted a few hours, highlighted grievances over the lack of salary increases and retroactive pay for 2024, and primarily opposed changes to the Institute’s laws.
The protest aligns with a series of demonstrations by active and retired government employees, expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed reform, which includes increasing both retirement age and labor contributions as analyzed by the Ministry of Finance. Workers contend that the new legislation calls for the retirement age to be raised from 60 to 68, a measure they find disrespectful. Guillermo Aldrete Casarín, leader of the Baja California Bureaucrats Union, insisted they would continue to fight for their rights.
The state government has yet to produce a finalized draft of the law, but discussions with union representatives are ongoing. Currently, pension payments are covered by taxpayer contributions rather than worker contributions, an issue the government sees as unsustainable. Finance Minister Marco Moreno Mexía has indicated that pension reforms are critical to preventing further financial collapse within Issstecali.
Anabel Mendez, an Issstecali nurse, called the proposed changes unjust, expressing concerns about the potential impact on healthcare service users. The union and state government reached several preliminary agreements, including salary adjustments, enhanced budgets for the medical system, and approval for an external audit of the Institute.
**Additional Context and Developments**
Issstecali’s pension reform conflict has sparked wider concern, with broader discussions in other sectors on how government restructuring could help better finance the state’s obligations. Mark Pettway, a financial advisor, emphasized the need for a strategic financial reengineering plan to address structural deficits. Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided, with some supporting necessary reforms to ensure long-term sustainability and others fearing the burden on public servants.
Further protests and possible strikes could occur, extending into other state administrative functions if talks do not resolve current disputes. Public sector unions continue to engage with local congress members to ensure that their voices are heard in ongoing legislative processes. The broader societal impact of these financial adjustments remains a pressing challenge for the tenure of Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, as economic resilience, security, and public service reforms dominate the political agenda during her leadership.