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Transport Workers Block Road, Claim Union Extortion

Transport Workers Block Road, Claim Union Extortion

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Public transport operators in Melchor Ocampo blocked Periférico Norte for over four hours, protesting alleged extortion by union organizations.
  • Drivers claim members of the Tutram organization demand a 500 peso fee to allow them to work, threatening and physically assaulting those who refuse.
  • The transport workers are demanding intervention from the State of Mexico government and its mobility and security secretariats to ensure their safety and right to operate without intimidation.

Public transport operators from Melchor Ocampo staged a significant protest, blocking Periférico Norte for more than four hours to demand an end to alleged extortion by union organizations. The demonstration saw drivers park their vehicles across the central and side lanes, disrupting traffic heading towards Mexico City.

Chanting slogans and displaying signs that read "No more extortion. March to Mexico City," the drivers appealed to the State of Mexico government, as well as its mobility and security secretariats, for intervention. They specifically cited the Tutram organization, alleging that its members have threatened, physically assaulted, and demanded a 500 peso payment for the right to operate their routes.

According to the protesting transportistas, some drivers have succumbed to pressure and joined Tutram, while others who refused have faced intimidation and aggression. They are seeking guarantees that will allow them to provide their services without fear of threats or violence. Authorities arrived at the scene to address the grievances raised by the operators.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.