**Continued Roadblocks in Support of Judicial Workers’ Rights**
Workers of the Judicial Power in Tijuana have announced that labor strikes and roadblock protests will persist until their demands are addressed. On the afternoon of Monday, October 14, employees and union members blocked access around the Rio Zone near the Zaragoza Bridge, causing significant traffic disruptions.
These workers are demanding official assurances that their labor rights will be preserved, despite the new Judicial Reform enacted at the end of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration. This reform is involved in the contentious decision about how judges are elected in the country.
“We continue to fight for workers’ rights, benefits, and the chance to negotiate our working conditions for the upcoming year,” stated Daniel Meza, a judicial secretary in Tijuana. The discontent among Judicial Power workers stems from the reform’s impact on their career paths, as it mandates that only those versed in law can achieve positions of authority such as judges or magistrates. These roles are now subject to popular vote, favoring popularity over specialization and experience.
“We want to be heard by society, the government, particularly the Congress, and our president. We are waiting for a response to our demands,” Meza added. The labor strike persists regardless of the position of the Judges’ Federation, as workers intend to uphold any official agreements the new Judicial Power makes with the union to establish clear rules for a renewed judicial career framework in Mexico.
The protest will continue until official responses are provided. Until then, the workers maintain their position, urging for dialogue to ensure their labor rights remain protected. The next demonstration is slated for Tuesday, October 15, at noon, with roadblock plans set for both directions of the Cuauhtémoc South Boulevard or Transpeninsular Highway, near the Madero neighborhood in Tijuana.
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**In Related News: Mexican Judicial Reform Raises International Concerns**
The recent judicial reform in Mexico has not only sparked internal unrest but has also drawn attention from international communities. A representative of the US Commerce Department expressed concerns over the reform, highlighting potential impacts on the rule of law and business operations in Mexico.
Critics argue that the shift towards popular elections for judges could undermine the judiciary’s independence, possibly affecting investor confidence and bilateral trade relations. The move to prioritize public opinion over judicial expertise is seen as a departure from established norms, raising questions about the stability and predictability of legal proceedings in Mexico.
As negotiations and discussions continue, stakeholders both within and outside Mexico are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a resolution that maintains judicial integrity while addressing the grievances of the country’s judicial workers.