Mexico City, May 1 – The Mexico City Congress recently held a significant film-debate to draw attention to the often-overlooked labor conditions of public cleaning workers in the capital. The event, held in observance of International Labor Day, featured the award-winning documentary “Tratado de Invisibilidad” (Treaty of Invisibility), directed by Luciana Kaplan.
Documentary Highlights Precarious Employment
The documentary, which won an Ariel Award in 2025, explores the precarious situations faced by women working as public cleaners, especially those who are not ‘basificadas’ – meaning they do not have permanent employment contracts. These workers often endure low wages, poor treatment, and a lack of job security, making their labor largely invisible to the public and policymakers.
The film-debate, titled “Lxs trabajadorxs del espacio público no son invisibles” (Public Space Workers Are Not Invisible), was organized by Deputy Juan Estuardo Rubio Gualito, President of the Labor, Work, and Social Welfare Commission of the local Congress. It took place on April 27 at the “Benito Juárez” Auditorium within the Congress building, attracting dozens of attendees.
Filmmaker’s Motivation and Workers’ Testimonies
Deputy Rubio Gualito, a member of the MORENA party, emphasized that the event’s primary goal was to make visible the essential work of these individuals, particularly the women who maintain the cleanliness of public spaces in Mexico City. The documentary, lasting one hour and 25 minutes, combines elements of fiction and photography to present compelling testimonies from the workers themselves, fostering a deeper reflection on their daily struggles.
Luciana Kaplan, the director, shared her motivation for creating the film. She explained that she became aware of the widespread subcontracting of these workers, their meager salaries, and the mistreatment they often experience. Noticing a significant void in existing literature, films, or academic works addressing the plight of cleaning employees, Kaplan decided to undertake the project.
“I know that processes take time, but we have to start somewhere. With that feeling, that curiosity, and that desire to do something, I began this project. I was very fortunate to find these incredible women who dared to speak, because the pressure not to speak was enormous,” Kaplan stated, highlighting the courage of the women who shared their stories despite potential repercussions.
Audience Engagement and Future Outlook
Following the screening, attendees engaged in a lively exchange of views, discussing not only the difficult circumstances faced by these workers but also exploring potential solutions and strategies to ensure their visibility and improve their working conditions. The event served as a platform for dialogue and advocacy, aiming to spark concrete actions towards a more equitable treatment of public cleaning personnel.
The Mexico City Congress regularly organizes events focused on social and labor issues, reflecting its commitment to addressing critical challenges within the capital. This film-debate is part of a broader effort to promote awareness and facilitate policy changes that benefit all workers, particularly those in vulnerable sectors.
The discussions underscored the need for legislative and social reforms to protect the rights of public cleaning workers, ensuring they receive fair wages, proper benefits, and dignified working conditions. The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action to eliminate the invisibility that often surrounds essential labor in urban environments.
