Health workers in Mexico protest for wage increases and improvements

Health workers employed by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) held a protest march in the capital, Mexico City, demanding a 10 percent wage increase, the resolution of medical supply shortages in hospitals, and improvements to working conditions.

The protest, which started at the 21st Century National Medical Center and continued to the Senate building and Zócalo Square, was attended by both active employees and retirees. Health workers demanded an increase in public resources to raise the health budget to at least 7 percent of the gross domestic product.

The group, which did not receive a response to their requests to meet with officials in front of the Senate building, attempted to move toward the entrance by crossing the barriers around the parliament building. Employees consider the 8 percent wage increase proposed by the IMSS administration insufficient and are demanding that a 10 percent raise be applied directly to the base salary.

Another key agenda item of the protest was the demand for the resignation of Rafael Olivos Hernández, General Secretary of the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS). This protest, which marks the fourth demonstration held in recent weeks, aims to draw attention to structural problems in the health system.