Call for General Strike in Mexico

The Mexican Electrical Workers Union (S.M.E.) is calling for a General strike on November 11. The entire work force (44.000 workers were terminated by the Mexican government in an apparent attempt to privatize the system.)

Although many union leaders support the government, currently
the Strike is supported by Section XX of the Teachers Union, the National Union of Workers (UNT), the Broad Front of the Social Left (FAIS) the Student Movement of Michoacan, the Peasant Coordinating Committee of Michoacan, the Movement of National Liberation
(MLN) and the Revolutionary Democratic Party (PRD)

Earl Gilman

In response to the Mexican government´s firing of 44,000 electric workers strikes and stoppages took place throughout Mexico n November 11th. In the central square in Mexico City 200,000 electric workers, students, teachers gathered to denounce the government action, which appears to be geared to privitizing the industry and destroying an oposition union. (The government claims that there were 60,000 at the demonstration.)

The head of the union, Nartin Esparza, stated: "Power comes from the people and when this is affected, a peaceful social movement needs to rise up."¨

In Oaxaca the local teachers union closed down classes in 13 thousand schols.
Also in Oaxaca the Peoples Assembly (APPO) closed down access to all offices and substations of the power system.

The federal highways between Mexico City and Tuxpan as well the highway between Mexico City and Pachuca the toll booths were taken over and motorists were allowed to pass without paying,. On the highway between Mexico City and Queretaro the police shot at the demonstratos who were blocking the highway.

At the National University there was a 12 hour strike of professors and students.

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in front of the two major television stations that support the government. The TV stations have accused demonstators of attacking their reporters, but this seems the action of provocateurs.

The government has offered compensation equivalent to 2 and half years wages to electrical workers who accept by this weekend. The governmment is also offering re-training courses for work in sewing factories and gardening. But it appears at least half the workers have refused the government offer and want their jobs back.

The movement that defends the electric workers faces the problem that the families of at least 22,000 workers will have no income.

EARL GILMAN