State Ensures Legal Settlements for First Brand Workers in Ciudad Juárez
Chihuahua, January 29, 2026 – The State of Chihuahua has announced its commitment to provide full support and accompaniment to workers of First Brand in Ciudad Juárez, following the company’s bankruptcy. This assurance comes directly from state officials, emphasizing that First Brand must adhere to legal requirements for worker settlements rather than simply ceasing operations.
The announcement was made by Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare, who reiterated the state’s stance on protecting workers’ rights in such situations. The state government’s involvement aims to ensure that all employees receive their rightful compensation and benefits as mandated by Mexican labor law.
Background of the Situation
First Brand, a maquiladora operating in Ciudad Juárez, recently declared bankruptcy, leaving its workforce in an uncertain position. Maquiladoras are a significant part of the economic landscape in Ciudad Juárez, and their operations are closely tied to the well-being of thousands of families. The state’s swift response underscores the importance of these industries and the need to safeguard the interests of their employees.
This situation is not isolated, as the region has seen other economic shifts. Recently, the Secretary of Economic Development dismissed concerns about potential negative impacts in Chihuahua City following the closure of a maquiladora in Juárez, suggesting a localized rather than widespread economic issue. However, the current focus remains on the First Brand workers and their immediate needs.
State’s Role and Actions
The state’s Department of Labor and Social Welfare will be actively involved in monitoring the liquidation process to ensure transparency and fairness. This includes:
- Providing legal counsel to affected workers.
- Mediating between the company and its employees to facilitate fair settlements.
- Ensuring that all legal obligations regarding severance pay, benefits, and other entitlements are met.
Officials have stressed that the company will not be allowed to evade its responsibilities. “The company must liquidate according to the law and not just disappear,” stated a representative from the Secretary of Labor, highlighting the firm stance of the state government.
Broader Economic Context and Related Developments
The situation at First Brand occurs amidst ongoing discussions among business leaders and the government in Chihuahua regarding investment agendas and the allocation of resources from the ISN (Impuesto Sobre Nóminas – Payroll Tax). These meetings aim to analyze the destination of these funds and define a common agenda for economic development, which includes supporting the workforce and ensuring stable employment conditions across the state.
In other local news, unrelated to the First Brand bankruptcy but indicative of the region’s dynamic environment:
- The historic Maternal Center of Parral closed after more than 75 years, with services transferring to a new gynecology and obstetrics hospital.
- A preventive advisory was issued for possible fog on highways during the early hours of January 30 in Chihuahua, Cuauhtémoc, and Madera.
- Governor Maru Campos delivered works worth nearly 300 million pesos in the central-southern region, including road sections, street rehabilitation, and educational equipment.
- Gilberto Loya continued strategic security meetings in the State Congress, exchanging views on state-level security actions.
- Vehicle revalidation fees are set to increase by 100 pesos in 2026 due to an increase in the UMA (Unidad de Medida y Actualización), from 113.14 pesos in 2025 to 117.31 pesos.
- Trump reported a productive phone conversation with Sheinbaum, focusing on border issues, trade, and drug trafficking.
- Conagua Chihuahua is reinforcing its capacity to address a historical backlog of procedures before April 1, hiring 50 lawyers to resolve pending files crucial for producers to access PEUA subsidies in 2026.
- COESVI is offering discounts on its titling program, requiring homes to be debt-free.
- The mayor of Meoqui will attend the National Meeting for Peace.
- Works to deliver treated water to ejidatarios in Colonia Terrazas are expected to conclude in March, utilizing nine million cubic meters of water for crop reconversion.
These developments reflect a proactive approach by the state government and local authorities to manage economic, social, and environmental challenges, even as they address specific issues like the First Brand bankruptcy.
Looking Ahead
The State of Chihuahua is committed to ensuring that the First Brand workers receive fair treatment and all due compensation. The ongoing support and oversight from the Department of Labor and Social Welfare are crucial for a just resolution to this situation. The state continues to work towards a stable and equitable economic environment for all its citizens.
