Because disappearing without compensation was not in the contract
Ah, the magic of constitutional reforms: a decree and *poof*, an entire institute disappears. But surprise, the employees of the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) are not willing to simply evaporate. This Monday, they decided to decorate Paseo de la Reforma with banners and slogans, because nothing says “respect our rights” like paralyzing traffic on one of the most important avenues in CDMX.
“And what about us?”: the labor drama of the century
It turns out that in the transitional article of the reform that sent the IFT to the trunk of memories, someone forgot a crucial detail: what the hell is going to happen to the workers? While those from Cofece were sent with everything and backpack to the National Antimonopoly Commission (because of course, they do deserve express processing), those from the IFT were left in limbo. Finger error? Creative Oversight? Who knows, but yes: the employees do not plan to leave without a fight (or without their liquidation).
Between cries of “Fair liquidation!” and “Rights are not negotiated!” (phrases that, ironically, are usually negotiated), they managed to get the Senate to receive their petition. Among their demands: that it be specified where they are going to be relocated (or at least that they are not thrown onto the street like obsolete furniture), that they be paid what they are due (how strange, right?) and that a committee be created to ensure that everything is legal and transparent. Wow, they ask for the basics, but in this country that is already revolutionary.
And if that were not enough, they demand that vulnerable groups be considered within the IFT: people with disabilities, older adults and graduates of indigenous universities. Because what better way to demonstrate commitment to inclusion than to unceremoniously leave them unemployed, right?
The art of protesting (and making a noise)
The strategy was impeccable: closing Reforma for an hour, just when the senators were already comfortable in their offices. Nothing like road chaos to make them pay attention to you. Of course, neither a broken glass nor a graffiti: these are public employees, not vandals. Protest with class, then you get memes.
Of course, the document they delivered is a gem. Quoting verbatim: “There is no clear reason for the distinction” between them and those of Cofece. I mean, is it personal or is it that someone was simply too lazy to write two more lines in the decree? The mystery remains in the air, as does the future employment of these workers.
Moral: If you are going to extinguish an organism, at least pay attention to those who gave it life. Or get ready to meet them in Reforma, with banner in hand and patience exhausted.
Are you as angry as we are? Share this note and let’s make the irony of disappearing institutions go viral… but not the problems of those who support them. And if you want more doses of reality with sarcasm, explore our related content. Spoiler: there is a lot to choose from.
