Approximately 3,000 cleaning workers in the health sector in the state of Veracruz remain on strike to demand payment for the past two weeks and the materials needed to carry out their work. This situation has caused garbage and medical waste to begin piling up, and some areas are inoperable due to the prevailing filth.
During a demonstration at the port of Veracruz, protesters stated that protests have been going on for more than 24 hours across the state; however, the government of Rocío Nahle García has not responded, and they will not resume their activities until their demands are met.
They reported that the private company to which they belong, called Limpieza Especializada Industrial y Hospitalaria (Specialized Industrial and Hospital Cleaning), has not received the corresponding payments since last April, which has made it difficult to pay its employees’ salaries on time.
Sergio Aguilar Martínez, the company’s coordinator, explained that they have a contract to provide their services throughout the state, so this problem has been repeated in Poza Rica, Veracruz, Boca del Río, Xalapa, and other municipalities.
“There are more than 3,000 workers in the state, and the protest includes hospitals and health centers; all our colleagues are on strike (…) because the two-week paycheck for August 15th is now owed,” he said.
The complainants explained that the government and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS-Bienestar) have promised payment to the company; however, as of last night, these had not materialized, so they could intensify their actions.
They added that due to the company’s lack of resources, employees have also been denied social security and vacation pay, and they lack the necessary materials to perform their work safely.
Some affected people reported that without their salaries, they cannot cover expenses such as school supplies and rent; several even stated that they do not even have money to eat.
They emphasized that their main demand is for the government to immediately settle the debts with the company where they work, so that their salaries are covered. They also ask for supplies such as gloves, face masks, and other items that are part of the protective measures.
“We are not going to leave until we are paid; we want them to comply,” stated one of the protesters.
Patients’ families demand a prompt solution
Meanwhile, families of patients hospitalized at the Regional Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Veracruz demanded that the state government promptly address the lack of cleaning services.
They complained that several areas appear very dirty, raising fear and uncertainty that this could cause health problems for patients or visitors.
Cora de Jesús Rodríguez, a spokesperson for relatives of children with cancer, demanded that state authorities make the corresponding payments as soon as possible so that the hospitals remain clean.
“It’s affecting us because they’re closing restrooms, the trash cans are full of toilet paper, there are toilets with blood. This is a source of infection, (…) it harms the patients. It’s unfair that they don’t pay the cleaners,” she commented.
As of last night, the Veracruz government had not issued any statement regarding the situation in the state’s hospitals or how they will continue to operate without cleaning services.
Source: jornada
