Judges Strike for Labor Rights

Judicial workers in Tijuana protest for labor rights, challenging President López Obrador’s reform. The nationwide strike aims to protect the federal judiciary’s integrity.

### Workers of the Federal Judiciary Protest to Defend Labor Rights

In opposition to the judicial reform proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, employees of the federal courts took to the streets of Tijuana on August 22, 2024, to defend their labor rights. Their protest, part of a nationwide indefinite work stoppage that began on August 20, 2024, aims to safeguard the integrity and professionalism of the federal judiciary in Mexico.

Armed with megaphones, placards, and chants, the protesters emphasized the importance of their cause, warning citizens about the dangers of having inexperienced and inadequately specialized judges and magistrates presiding over federal cases. This reform, they argue, jeopardizes labor rights by undermining the professional career path that allows workers to aspire to become judges or magistrates.

Daniel Sánchez Reyes, Secretary of the Sixteenth District Court in Tijuana, said, “We’re striking because the president is firmly convinced of his stance, and we want him to hear ours and realize the flaws in his proposal. We’re staying on strike until we are heard.”

The protest kicked off at 10 a.m. with a march originating from the Judicial Power building in Tijuana’s River Zone and spanning over two kilometers to the Mexico Monument. The demonstrators aim to raise public awareness about their plight and garner broader support.

“Our movement is growing. Today, I’ve seen that litigator lawyers and a bar association have joined us. We’re hoping universities and more workers will support us,” Sánchez Reyes added.

The indefinite strikes continue, with the judiciary attending only emergency cases. According to unofficial data, between 25 and 30 cases are being processed daily since the work stoppage began in Tijuana.


### Judicial Reform Faces Strong Opposition Nationwide

Further protests and strikes have been planned across 23 cities in Mexico to continue demonstrating against the proposed judicial reform. The last significant strike in the judiciary occurred in October 2023, when a similar reform initiative failed in the Senate. Judicial employees are determined to maintain their protests until their concerns are addressed.

According to recent updates, various sectors, including legal professionals and educational institutions, are showing increasing support for the strikes. The indefinite halt in operations has significantly impacted federal case proceedings, highlighting the pressing need for a resolution.

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The Commission in San Lázaro has approved a reform for the National Guard to be transferred to SEDENA, sparking further debate about the implications for the judiciary and public order (August 22, 2024).

#### Risk to Democracy
Concerns about the judicial reform’s impact have been echoed by the U.S. ambassador, who warned that it poses a risk to Mexico’s democracy, potentially allowing criminal organizations to take advantage of weakened judicial oversight (August 22, 2024).

For more updates on this developing story, visit TJGringo.com.