IMSS Workers to March on October 13: Routes and Blockages in CDMX

IMSS workers will hold a national march this Tuesday, October 13, in Mexico City (CDMX). This protest aims to pressure for improved working conditions, a salary increase higher than that proposed by union leadership, and the supply of medications and medical supplies.

The mobilization’s starting point is the National Medical Center Siglo XXI, located on Avenida Cuauhtémoc, in the Doctores neighborhood. From there, demonstrators plan to proceed towards the National Palace in the Historic Center, though the definitive route has not yet been confirmed.

In addition to the demands of medical and administrative personnel, the mobilization could cause complications for motorists, public transport users, and businesses operating in areas of high concentration. Therefore, those needing to travel through the capital during the afternoon should consider potential road closures, slow traffic, and route modifications.

What Time Does the IMSS March Start on October 13?

The call specifies that the march will begin at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, October 13. The contingent will depart from the National Medical Center Siglo XXI and head towards the central area of the capital, with the National Palace as the planned destination.

However, it is important to distinguish between the route announced by the organizers and an official route confirmed by authorities. Until definitive information is available, the following roadways should be considered potential areas of impact, not streets with guaranteed closures.

Among the avenues that could experience complications are:

Avenida Cuauhtémoc: This is the primary point of concern due to the contingent’s departure from the National Medical Center Siglo XXI. The gathering of demonstrators could slow down traffic in its vicinity.
Avenida Álvaro Obregón: This avenue could experience additional traffic if participants use connecting streets to other parts of the city.
Avenida Chapultepec: This is a roadway worth monitoring for potential gatherings and as a reference for adjusting some routes.
Avenida Insurgentes Sur: This avenue could face complications at its intersections and surrounding areas, depending on the mobilization’s progress and traffic management measures.
Paseo de la Reforma: This avenue requires special attention due to the presence of demonstrators and reported sit-ins in front of IMSS central facilities.
Avenida Juárez: This avenue could experience disruptions if the contingent advances towards the Historic Center or congregates in its vicinity.

Intermittent disruptions may also occur on secondary streets, intersections, and access points near hospitals and workplaces. The extent of the disruptions will depend on the number of participants, the final route adopted, and the traffic measures implemented by the capital’s authorities.

Alternative Routes to Avoid March Areas

While the route is being confirmed, motorists can evaluate other roadways based on their origin and destination:

For North-South travel: Review options via Circuito Interior or Eje 1 Norte, depending on the route.
For East-West travel: Consider Avenida Constituyentes or Eje 3 Sur when compatible with the destination.
To avoid Paseo de la Reforma: Evaluate Circuito Interior and Avenida Chapultepec, provided traffic reports indicate they remain passable.
For trips to the Historic Center: Consider arriving in advance, using public transportation, and walking the last segment if safety and mobility conditions permit.

Before departing, it is recommended to consult advisories from the CDMX Ministry of Citizen Security and real-time traffic reports. It is also advisable to avoid driving directly towards the vicinity of the march’s starting point and destination during peak concentration hours.

What Are IMSS Workers Demanding and How Will the Protest Affect the Labor Sector?

The mobilization brings together grievances related to salaries, working conditions, the operation of medical facilities, and union representation. Although the demands originate within IMSS, their potential implications extend to patients, suppliers, workers, and businesses that rely on the continuity of health services.

These are the main demands of the protesters:

10% Salary Increase: Dissatisfied workers consider the proposed global increase of 6.8% insufficient and are demanding a greater improvement in their remuneration.
Revision of Salary Proposal: The mentioned offer consists of 2.9% directly to base salary and 3.9% in benefits. Dissatisfied workers are requesting a review of the component that directly impacts their income.
Supply of Medications and Medical Supplies: Personnel are demanding measures to ensure the availability of necessary materials and medications to treat patients in clinics and hospitals.
Improved Working Conditions: The protest seeks to address workload and other needs related to the daily performance of medical and administrative staff.
Dismissal of Rafael Olivos Hernández: One of the central demands is the removal of the general secretary of the SNTSS.
Extraordinary National Congress and Transparent Union Elections: Demonstrators aim to open a process that allows for a review of leadership and strengthens worker participation in union decisions.
Transparency in Salary Consultation: Dissatisfied workers are requesting guarantees for the salary proposal vote to be conducted in a verifiable manner and without irregularities.
Review of Retirements and Pensions: They also propose addressing their retirement conditions and related benefits.