INE Workers Launch National Strike Over Wages and Working Conditions

Employees at Citizen Attention Modules of the National Electoral Institute initiated a nationwide strike on Monday, suspending routine services and closing numerous offices across at least 20 federal entities throughout the country. The mobilization affects hundreds of modules and halts essential procedures, including voter registration, personal data updates, address changes, and credential replacements.

The protest stems from widespread dissatisfaction among workers regarding their current compensation and operational conditions. Representatives of the personnel have pointed out that despite handling sensitive official data, managing complex electoral processes, and enduring extended shifts, their salaries remain close to the minimum wage. Consequently, workers are demanding a substantial salary increase, better computer equipment to replace obsolete technology, stable work schedules from Monday to Friday, and improved vacation schemes.

The labor action follows an official announcement from the Institute's General Council regarding a proposed six percent salary increase scheduled for January 2027 for staff at the FA1 level. However, employee representatives firmly rejected the proposal, arguing that the incremental raise translates to a negligible amount per paycheck and fails to address the scope of their petitions. While workers originally sought a one-hundred percent salary increase to achieve the equivalent of two minimum wages, some localized groups have voiced demands for at least a twenty-five percent adjustment.

The suspension of activities created significant disruptions for citizens seeking identification documents, with varying levels of impact reported nationwide. In several regions, closures were widespread, whereas other modules operated partially or under protest. Estimates from worker representatives indicate that a considerable percentage of the nation's citizenship modules kept their doors shut, interrupting a daily volume of tens of thousands of routine citizen procedures.

Amid the mobilization, employees in several states, including Guanajuato, Querétaro, Yucatán, Zacatecas, Chihuahua, and Puebla, reported experiencing tension and intimidation. According to anonymous accounts and labor representatives, certain district and registry officials exerted pressure through phone calls, messages, and administrative warnings to deter personnel from joining the strike. These reports emerged despite official assurances from the Institute guaranteeing freedom of expression and promising that no disciplinary measures or reprisals would be taken against participating workers.

In response to the protests, the Institute issued statements acknowledging the legitimacy of the personnel's concerns and emphasizing its commitment to institutional dialogue. Authorities noted that a comprehensive internal review is already underway to evaluate budgetary alternatives, improve operational logistics, and address infrastructure needs such as technology upgrades and field expense reimbursements. Meanwhile, the Institute urged the public to consult official communication channels and verification phone lines to check module availability before planning visits for upcoming electoral and identification services.