### Disgruntled Employees of Tijuana’s Hanil Electronics Demand Fair Severance
Tijuana, August 6, 2024 – About 50 employees who were recently laid off from Hanil Electronics gathered before the Conciliation and Arbitration Board to protest the withholding of their wages and the unfair severance packages they were offered.
Juliana Coronel, one of the affected workers, shared that on August 2, the employees were called to negotiate their severance. Instead of a fair deal, they were handed a paper to sign, which misrepresented the terms of the severance. “They gave us a sheet to sign as if we were resigning. I told the lawyer this isn’t a liquidation sheet, and she said, ‘This is what we have.’” Coronel emphasized that employees with up to 20 years of service were being offered severance packages that were less than what the law dictates, in some cases less than half of what they are entitled to.
The workers revealed that the company’s relocation from Otay to the new facilities in Pacific Industrial Park on May 26 was followed by disheartening measures. Jorge Luis Herrera, another worker, detailed how the employees experienced severe workplace harassment. Services such as the cafeteria and transportation were withdrawn, forcing many, especially single mothers, to resign due to unmanageable night shifts.
Herrera pointed out that instead of the 149,000 pesos he was due for five years of employment, he was offered only 26,000 pesos. “There are colleagues with 10, 12, 16 years, being offered 90,000 pesos for 20 years,” he added.
### Similar Incidents in the Region
In related news, other companies in Baja California also face scrutiny for their labor practices. Sources report an increase in the number of employees voicing concerns over unfair labor conditions and wrongful termination.
Labor expert Dr. Roberto Méndez suggested that changes in labor policies should be implemented gradually to ensure fairness and stability within the workforce. “Immediate and drastic changes can lead to unrest and exploitation,” he commented.
Additionally, the Baja California social service workers recently blocked the entrance to CRI insurgentes, demanding better working conditions and job security. Unions argue that the slow rate of worker regularization is closely tied to the number of retirements in each department.
### What’s Next?
The growing unrest across various sectors indicates a brewing demand for greater transparency and accountability from employers. As employees continue to stand up for their rights, companies might need to reevaluate their practices to avoid damaging labor relations and potential legal complications.
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