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Mexico City, October 14 – Workers of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) are holding demonstrations and a sit-in today, October 14, in front of the institution’s central offices on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City. The day’s events are marked by broad support from other unions, including the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), Metro employees, ISSSTE personnel, Pemex oil workers, students, and members of social movements.
Mobilization Coincides with Salary Consultation
The mobilization coincides with the 2026-2027 Salary Consultation of the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS), in which the base will vote on the proposed increase to their wages.
What are the demands?
Workers reject the 2.9% increase to the pay scale and 3.9% in benefits (a total increase of 6.8%) approved in September during the 65th Ordinary National Congress of the union. Instead, they are demanding a 10% wage hike.
- Urgent attention to the shortage of supplies, medicines, and medical materials.
- Hiring of more personnel to reduce workload.
- Immediate removal of Rafael Olivos Hernández from the general secretariat of the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS) and a call for an Extraordinary National Congress.
- Zero tolerance for repression: workers have warned that they will begin a hunger strike if any participant is sanctioned or dismissed.
- A health budget of at least 7% of GDP and changes to the Social Security Law to ensure its financial viability.
- The return of the retirement and pension system for all workers, with an explicit rejection of Afores (individual retirement accounts).
These demands are outlined in a National Manifesto for the Defense of Health, Work, and Social Security, which describes a system affected by a lack of budget, shortages, staff shortages, saturated hospitals, long waits for specialized care, and low wages. Workers argue that the solution is not just about increasing productivity, but about more resources, hiring, and better hospital infrastructure.
Affected Roads and Alternative Routes
The protests led by IMSS personnel will have a significant impact on traffic in Mexico City throughout the day. The main closures are on Paseo de la Reforma, where the presence of demonstrators and the sit-in in front of the institution’s central offices complicate traffic flow for motorists.
Additionally, crowds and temporary interruptions are expected around Cuauhtémoc Avenue, especially in the vicinity of the National Medical Center Siglo XXI, from where contingents have departed towards the city center.
Mobility authorities and traffic reports indicate that other heavily trafficked arteries may experience staggered closures or slow progress throughout the day:
- Paseo de la Reforma
- Insurgentes Avenue
- Circuito Interior
- Calzada de Tlalpan
Alternative Routes
To avoid traffic jams in the central area of the city and prevent delays, suggested alternative routes for vehicular navigation include:
- For eastbound to westbound travel: Viaducto Miguel Alemán or Chapultepec Avenue are suggested as continuous passage routes to bypass the cuts on Paseo de la Reforma.
- For access to the Historic Center: It is preferable to opt for Eje 1 Norte or Izazaga Avenue, anticipating concentrations around the National Palace and Paseo de la Reforma.
Recommendations and Public Transportation
Despite the presence of Metro Union members in the protests, assistance and transportation services are maintaining operations. However, citizens are advised to allow for additional travel time due to vehicle detours.
Finally, the general directorate of the IMSS has asked demonstrators to allow unimpeded passage in the vicinity of clinics and health centers, ensuring the transit of ambulances and emergency units at all times.
Source: El País México
