https://themilitant.com/2019/02/23/thousands-of-workers-strike-in-mexico-win-wage-hike/
Thousands of workers strike in Mexico, win wage hike
By Seth Galinsky
Vol. 83/No. 9
March 4, 2019
More than 25,000 workers at 45 factories — mostly foreign-owned auto-
and electrical-parts plants — in Matamoros, Mexico, near the U.S. border
ended a rolling strike Feb. 11 after winning a 20 percent wage increase
plus a one-time bonus of about $1,700. The strike began Jan. 25. Above,
strikers at Jan. 31 rally.
Newly elected Mexican President Manuel López Obrador had recently
increased the daily minimum wage in border areas to the equivalent of
$9.13 a day. Seeing this increase, workers walked out demanding an
across-the-board raise for everyone.
Even before the ink was dried on the deal, some bosses began to take
reprisals. According to La Jornada, companies have since fired 1,500
workers, claiming they can’t afford to pay the higher wages.
But threats by the companies to shut down haven’t deterred other workers
inspired by the victory. Workers at a Coca-Cola bottling plant and other
workplaces have followed suit, going on strike for higher wages.
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In This Issue
Front Page Articles •School workers strike beats back gov’t attack
•Political crisis wracks toilers in Venezuela - US hands off!
•‘The working people need to build our own political party’
•Iraqis proud of Baghdad booksellers’ district that survived war, repression
•Liberals’ ‘Green New Deal’ scheme no road forward for working people
•Thousands protest in Haiti, demand president, prime minister resign
Feature Articles •Book by Cuban leader José Ramón Fernández launched
Also In This Issue •Thanks to ‘Militant’ readers, appeal goes over the top
•Muslim prisoner in Alabama executed, denied right to imam
•Thousands of workers strike in Mexico, win wage hike
•Stewardship of nature falls to working class
On the Picket Line •Coal miners in Ukraine march demanding back pay
•Quebec aluminum workers stand firm in over yearlong lockout
As I See It •Rail workers need to use union power to fight for safety
25, 50 and 75 years ago
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Carl Sagan
“ The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be
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― Carl Sagan
