Solidaridad Workers’ Union Wins Legal Battle and Maintains Registration

The Workers' Union of the Municipality of Solidaridad will maintain its registration. This follows a court ruling that nullified a previous decision by the Conciliation and Arbitration Tribunal of Quintana Roo. The tribunal had initially sided with a rival union, which sought to invalidate the Workers' Union's registration.

Irene Torres de la Cruz, leader of the Workers' Union, clarified that the court's decision merely nullified a simple administrative act. This act, she explained, has no further legal implications. "This union sought to revoke our registration and recognition, a process which began last December. The Tribunal initially agreed, but they disagreed with the decision and sought a stay of proceedings," said Torres de la Cruz.

The Unique Union of Workers at the Service of the Municipality of Solidaridad was the group that challenged the Workers' Union's registration. This union handles collective and individual labor disputes within municipal and state governments. Earlier this year, it initiated an indirect stay of proceedings with the First District Court in Chetumal.

In August, the federal court granted the stay of proceedings. This ruling invalidated the union recognition agreements in favor of the Workers' Union of the Municipality of Solidaridad. Torres de la Cruz clarified that this nullification of a legal act does not require the union to disband.

Two unions currently exist within the Solidaridad government, both vying for representation of the municipality's workers. The union led by Torres gained official recognition two years ago. This followed a court ruling that required the municipal authorities, then led by president Roxana Lili Campos Miranda, to acknowledge it as a union.

Over time, the government refused to review its collective labor contract. This led to a proposed strike against the town hall. However, under the leadership of Estefanía Mercado, new negotiations have since taken place, and the strike has been called off.