May 1st: Unions March in Oaxaca; Street Fight Reported Between Workers

Oaxaca's commemoration of International Labor Day took a tumultuous turn yesterday as a May Day march devolved into a physical confrontation among government workers. The planned demonstration, intended to celebrate workers' rights, instead became the scene of a 'battle campal'—a full-blown street fight—in the heart of the Oaxacan capital. This violent clash highlights deep-seated divisions within the state's labor unions and simmering discontent with the current administration.

The immediate catalyst for the fighting appears to be a dispute between a faction of workers affiliated with STEPIDCEO and their union leadership. These workers are protesting what they describe as irregularities and an excessive increase in income tax (ISR) deductions from their salaries, alleging a form of double taxation by the Oaxaca government that significantly impacts their earnings. The intensity of the confrontation, which saw workers burning their own banners and caps, underscores the depth of their frustration.

Adding to the day's unrest, the Section 22 of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) also marched, signaling their intent to join a national strike, potentially starting in late May or early June 2026. Meanwhile, the Section 35 of the National Union of Health Workers (SNTSA) voiced grave concerns, denouncing the critical lack of medicines and essential supplies in Oaxaca's hospitals and health centers. They also pointed to the deteriorating infrastructure of these facilities, painting a grim picture of the public health system's state.

From Oaxaca's perspective, this May Day serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by workers in the region. While international media might focus on the broader implications of labor movements, here in Oaxaca, the fight is intensely local—centered on fair wages, equitable taxation, and the fundamental right to adequate healthcare and education. The clashes and protests are not just abstract political statements; they represent the daily battles of working families striving for dignity and basic necessities.