Secretariat Report 2011 (pdf) - International Metalworkers' Federation

Secretariat Report for the Central Committee of the IMF
Mexico
Within the framework of the Regional Conference of the IMF, the IMF along with the
members participated in the march for independent unions in Mexico for Labour Day.
Photo: IMF / 2011
IMF continues to support our affiliate, the National Miners’ and Metalworkers’ Union
of Mexico (SNTMMSRM, Los Mineros), and their struggle for union autonomy and
freedom of association. The SNTMMSRM remains the target of intense government
repression and is the subject of an ongoing ILO complaint filed with the Committee
on Freedom of Association.
Since 2009, the IMF has increased its work with independent unions in Mexico to
build strength and organizing capacity as well as unity among the different unions.
In July 2009, an international trade union and parliamentary delegation of 40
participants from 13 countries visited the country, holding meetings with trade
unions, politicians, lawyers and ambassadors, and expressing support and solidarity
with Los Mineros. The visit was successful but also revealed the difficulties in
making headway in this deeply corrupt country.
In Toronto in June 2010, IMF affiliates agreed on a strategy, which included
consolidating a coordination system at the national level in Mexico, at the North
American regional level and at the global level. The key elements of the strategy
focus on rejecting the regressive government-sponsored labour reform, putting
pressure on the Canadian and US administrations, pursuing the complaint cases
before the Committee on Freedom of Association at the ILO, and strengthening
international solidarity with the Mexican struggle.
In February 2011, more than 50,000 activists from over 40 countries participated in
the Global Days of Action which were instrumental in achieving the release from
prison of Juan Linares Montúfar, a leader of Los Mineros. Affiliates from the IMF,
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