Oaxaca Health Workers Accuse Union Leader of Harassment to Regain Power

A group of female health workers in Oaxaca has come forward with serious accusations against Rusbelth Pascual León, the Secretary of Labor Affairs for Section 35 of the National Union of Health Secretariat Workers (SNTSA). They allege that Pascual León is engaging in harassment and threats as part of a strategy to reclaim his former position as the union delegate for the federal delegation in Tlacolula. According to the accusers, Pascual León has been orchestrating the mobilization of base workers with the explicit aim of removing the current delegate, Verónica Parada, and the head of the Sierra Regional Health Jurisdiction, Martha Leticia Viveros Montalvo.

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He convened a meeting at his house and forced them to sign a document to demand the dismissal of Verónica and Leticia Viveros.

The women assert that Pascual León convened a meeting at his home, compelling workers to sign a document demanding the dismissal of Parada and Viveros Montalvo. They recall that Pascual León served as the delegate for the Tlacolula de Matamoros federal delegation for nine years before securing a higher position within the union. During his previous tenure, they claim he exploited his authority for personal and group interests, citing alleged sales of positions and manipulation of the seniority system. One particularly distressing case mentioned is that of Dr. Miriam Bartolo, who reportedly suffered workplace harassment from Pascual León while pregnant, leading her to resign. The workers expressed concern that his actions have forced many women to leave their jobs or seek transfers to other health jurisdictions.

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Rusbelth Pascual was a union delegate... for nine years; then he achieved a higher position in the union as Secretary of Labor Affairs.

These protests, which began on April 27th with workers from the Sierra Health Jurisdiction occupying facilities and demonstrating in Oaxaca city, are seen by the accusers as a calculated move by Pascual León to return to his former delegate position. They fear his return, along with his alleged corruption, harassment, and workplace bullying. The women described him as someone who uses his power to benefit allies and himself, creates conflict instead of resolving issues, neglects workers' problems, and harbors a vengeful nature. Many workers are reportedly afraid of his potential return and the repercussions they might face.

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During those nine years as union delegate, he used his functions for personal and group interests: there was a sale of positions, he profited from permits or changes in the seniority system.