INE Workers Accept 6 Percent Salary Increase After Protests and Nationwide Stoppage

Employees of Mexico's National Electoral Institute (INE) reached an agreement with the institution's leadership on Monday, accepting a baseline salary increase of 6 percent following widespread protests and a nationwide labor stoppage that disrupted citizen service operations. The work stoppage left over 64 percent of the country's citizen service modules completely non-operational before negotiations took place at the agency's central headquarters.

The demonstration brought dozens of uniformed workers to the perimeter of the INE central facility carrying signs and chanting slogans to protest what they characterized as severely low wages for staff members while high-ranking officials manage large budgets. During the protests, workers voiced frustration over perceived resource mismanagement and demanded better overall labor conditions, temporarily blocking vehicular traffic outside the building.

Following more than five hours of discussions, provisional INE President Blanca Cruz García and an appointed worker negotiation committee held a press conference to announce the terms of the settlement. Cruz García stated that immediate adjustments will be implemented during the final two months of the year to address infrastructure issues, such as upgrading restrooms, improving building access, providing adequate cleaning and stationery supplies, and reinforcing security services at facilities nationwide.

In addition to facility improvements, the agreement establishes strict adherence to a guaranteed 30-minute meal break during the workday and ensures simplified administrative procedures for regulated employee leaves. Furthermore, institutional authorities reiterated a firm commitment that no administrative penalties, pay deductions, or retaliatory measures would be taken against personnel who joined the mobilization or chose to work under protest.

Regarding compensation, the initial demand from workers had sought a 25 percent raise or a flat rate of 19,000 pesos to reach two minimum wages. While the institution confirmed a guaranteed baseline increase of 6 percent starting in January 2027, officials explained that additional raises will depend on budget sufficiency, internal reorganizations, and any potential savings generated by the electoral body during the second half of the year.

Edgar Fernández, a representative for the module workers, acknowledged that staff agreed to start with the 6 percent increase with the expectation that internal restructuring could elevate the adjustment to 8 or 12 percent. Fernández noted that to bridge the remaining financial gap and achieve their target of two minimum wages, the INE committed to formally requesting a budget expansion from the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit during the first quarter of 2027, alongside incorporating necessary funds into the 2028 budget proposal.

Carla Humphrey, an INE councilor who participated in the negotiations, reported that out of 841 total modules nationwide, exactly 297 remained operational while 544 closed down, representing roughly 64.7 percent inactivity. However, councilors assured the public that normal operations would resume completely across the country, with affected citizens having their scheduled appointments rescheduled and dedicated lines established to catch up on pending credential pickups.