Chamber of Deputies Retirees Lift San Lazaro Blockade After Reaching Agreement

Retired workers from the Chamber of Deputies lifted their blockade of the San Lazaro legislative complex access points after reaching an agreement to open formal dialogue with parliamentary leaders.

The demonstration took place on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to suspend an ordinary session originally scheduled for 11:00 AM. That session was meant to include a posthumous tribute to left-wing leader Cuauhtemoc Cardenas Solorzano, who passed away on October 28.

The protesting former employees are demanding the reinstatement of monthly financial support, grocery vouchers, eyewear assistance, and travel funds outlined in both the general working conditions and specific benefits agreements.

According to the retirees, these monthly payments of approximately 11,800 pesos have been withheld since April. Raúl Bolaños-Cacho Cué, president of the board of directors of the Lower House, stated that he had been unaware that the financial support had been discontinued.

Following the initial protests, Bolaños-Cacho met with the demonstrators to review their list of petitions and coordinate a path forward. The lawmaker agreed to hold a follow-up meeting with the aggrieved retirees on Thursday, November 12, at noon local time.

Additionally, legislative leadership announced that the Chamber of Deputies will evaluate whether the requested financial resources can be incorporated into the upcoming budget for the following year.