Abstract

OSORIO, Marlen; RAVELO, Patricia  and  SANCHEZ, Sergio. Union Response at IMSS (SNTSS Leaders and Workers Face Modernization) 1989-2004. Nueva antropol [online]. 2006, vol.20, n.66, pp.87-107. ISSN 0185-0636.

The 80's in Mexico involved the challenge of adapting to the neoliberal policies that started to be implemented during those years. It wasn't easy for the population, especially for the workers who lost some of the privileges obtained during decades of benevolent governments. Companies, workers and unions had to adapt and accept structural changes to their old labor schemes. Doubtlessly, this period marked the beginning of the new road that had to be followed by Mexican workers. That was the case for IMSS workers, who stand out for their combative tradition, which was developed during the anti-modernization struggles of the 80's. It must be noted that this combative tradition has not been a constant at SNTSS. Quite the contrary, during the 90's this union was characterized as a "passive" union regarding mobilizations, a surprising attitude if we keep in mind that at this time IMSS faced downsizing, outsourcing, strong criticism regarding the quality of the services they provided, and reforms to the Social Security Law (Ley del Seguro Social), which led to the creation of Afores. In recent years, facing new challenges like the attempt to change their pension plan, IMSS workers have shown again their capacity for mobilization and their combative tradition. This article presents the union reaction, involving both leaders and workers, to attempts to transform the institution by changing their collective bargaining agreement, pension plan, The Social Security Law, and by implementing quality and productivity programs.

Keywords : neoliberal policies; productivity; unions; collective bargaining agreements; Social Security Law.

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