Healthcare workers protest in virtually every state over pay, shortages and staffing
In addition to higher pay and better working conditions, IMSS workers have a range of other demands, including the allocation of resources equivalent to 7% of GDP to healthcare and the right to speak out about problems in their facilities. The post Healthcare workers protest in virtually every state over pay, shortages and staffing appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Thousands of Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) workers rallied in Mexico City and various other cities on Tuesday, demanding higher salaries, improved working conditions, increased funding for healthcare, and an end to shortages of medicines and medical supplies. At the heart of the demonstration, approximately 7,000 workers gathered in Mexico City from the IMSS-run Siglo XXI National Medical Center in Doctores neighborhood to the Paseo de la Reforma, a tree-lined boulevard leading to the historic center.
The protesters chanted slogans like "Don't get sick because there are no supplies" and "Listen up people, this is your fight too." The IMSS workers protested in nearly every state of the country, with additional demonstrations occurring on Wednesday as well.
IMSS is a major healthcare provider in Mexico, serving around 78 million people, which is approximately 60% of the country's population. The organization employs over 520,000 people, around 80% of whom work in healthcare-related roles. Workers are seeking a 10% increase in their base pay, rejecting an offer of a 2.9% pay rise coupled with a 3.9% boost in benefits.
Protesters expressed concerns about the result of the voting process, as the National Social Security Workers Union is overseeing the vote, fearing that it might not accurately reflect the workers' true opinion. During the Tuesday protest in Mexico City, workers stated that they were once considered "heroes" for their work during the COVID pandemic but now feel "forgotten on the payroll."
In addition to higher salaries, IMSS workers have a range of other demands, including ensuring the adequate supply of medications and medical supplies in IMSS hospitals and clinics, hiring additional healthcare personnel to alleviate excessive workloads, allocating resources equivalent to 7% of GDP to healthcare, respecting their labor rights, modifying the Social Security Law for IMSS's financial viability, updating their pension system, and upgrading IMSS healthcare infrastructure.
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