l
he most valuable struggles usually take time and, in those cases, the best strategy is to resist protected by unity, camaraderie, solidarity and the ideal of justice. This is one of the most important lessons that the strike in Cananea, Sonora, as well as that in Taxco, Guerrero, and Sombrerete, Zacatecas, has left us, which began more than 18 years ago and remains a historic struggle for the dignity of mining workers. The consequences of this unresolved conflict are overwhelming. Among them, the exile to which my family and I were subjected, and which lasted 12 long years. Until 2018 I was able to return to my country to continue with my mission that, even far away, never stopped. These years of strike have been marked by uncertainty and sacrifice, but illuminated by the certainty that justice will prevail. Today, we are more hopeful than ever that this conflict will come to an end.
I clearly remember those months before the strike broke out. At the beginning of 2005 we met with the then Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare and with the directors of Grupo México: Germán Larrea, president of the company, and Javier García Quevedo, executive director. The leader of section 65 of Cananea and I were present, as general secretary of the National Union of Miners. There we presented our legitimate demands, which included a salary increase and, above all, the urgent correction of security deficiencies that put the health and lives of everyone at risk. These requirements implied essential investments by Grupo México that they were not willing to grant.
Thus, the response from the president of the company was negative, arguing a lack of resources, losses and alleged inefficiencies. My answer was clear: if the company cannot manage the mine properly, the union with its workers is capable of doing so. It is evident that this proposal had two objectives: the first, to establish that the relationship between the company and the miners is one of collaboration and not dependency; the second, that the labor organization has the capacity and experience that would allow it to take charge when the company’s operation fails, and thus sustain production that benefits many people. If a company cannot take over a mine with adequate working conditions, then this concession must be reconsidered for the good of the working class.
As expected, my proposal greatly upset the managers, who accused us of wanting to take over the mine, twisting the argument for not negotiating to their convenience. But what we were really looking for was a serious commitment to improve the work environment, while they looked for excuses not to improve the dangerous and unfair conditions they offered. The secretary of labor tried to mediate to avoid the conflict, but due to the company’s lack of willingness, we withdrew from the negotiation and later strikes broke out that continue to this day. Another clear lesson from this unfortunate episode is that the struggle has its times and it is not correct to give up any principle to quickly end a conflict because dignity is inalienable.
During this time we have suffered losses of all kinds. Economic, but not only for the company, but, above all, a very serious damage for the mining families: the loss of employment and the constant risk, a product of corporate negligence, are deeply exhausting. Despite everything, unity and solidarity is one of the hearts of our union, so under no circumstances will we leave a colleague alone. Our support has been economic, legal, political and moral to resist this injustice together. Cooperation and class brotherhood are integral, it is not only providing resources, but the means to stay in the fight.
Today, for the first time, we glimpse a tangible solution. After 18 years, the government and authorities are beginning to recognize the legitimacy of our demands. We hope that, under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum, a fair resolution will be granted that puts an end to this conflict caused by the obstinacy and revenge of the largest mining company in the country, which clearly has the resources to respond to our demands, but prefers to maintain a despotic, irresponsible and vindictive attitude.
Cananea, Sonora, Taxco, Guerrero and Sombrerete, Zacatecas are struggles that transcend the borders of an administrative conflict: these are basic aspects of work ethics, which Grupo México completely ignores in its daily actions. It is more than a question of negotiations or contracts, it is about fundamental respect for the human and working conditions of those who give their effort and health in the mines every day. The lack of will to guarantee security, justice and a decent and substantial salary reflects a dehumanized business vision that seeks to maximize profits at the expense of the well-being of workers and their families. We cannot continue to allow this position, it is harmful to the work culture that we desire as a nation and to which we are firmly moving.
In this context, from the National Union of Miners I will remain firm in our fight. Miners are aware that defending the dignity of the working class is defending the very heart of the social and economic development of Mexico. We demand justice for our members, as well as public recognition of the irreplaceable value they represent in the creation of national wealth. Our conviction is unwavering: true prosperity will come when those who, with their work, sustain the country’s productivity, are respected. Therefore, we will continue to demand fair, transparent and humane conditions until we reach a definitive solution that honors the work ethic that Grupo México has dismissed and ignored.
