Mexico City Protests Nov. 9: IMSS March to Zócalo, Biker Rally

Mexico City is set for a day of marches, rallies and possible traffic disruptions on Monday, Nov. 9. The largest march is planned for 3 p.m., when active and retired workers of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) are due to walk from the Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI to the Zócalo, according to the city’s published protest schedule as relayed by News Report MX, Infobae and N+.

Authorities expect delays mainly in the Cuauhtémoc, Benito Juárez and Gustavo A. Madero boroughs, Infobae reported. Infobae also said a street closure was already in place on Calle Zamora, between Juan Escutia and Fernando Montes de Oca in Cuauhtémoc, because of a demonstration, with Circuito Interior and Avenida Mazatlán suggested as alternatives.

How many protests are scheduled

Reports differ on the count. Infobae, citing the city’s mobilization agenda, listed 36 protest activities: 2 marches, 10 rallies, 2 scheduled appointments, 3 leisure events and 19 sit-ins. N+ said city authorities expect 2 marches, 10 rallies and 3 leisure events.

IMSS workers march to the Zócalo

The march starts at 3 p.m. at Avenida Cuauhtémoc 330, in the Doctores neighborhood. Participants demand that the secretary general of the national executive committee of the IMSS workers’ union resign, alleging violations of labor law and union statutes. They also ask for full and timely supplies of medical equipment, a 10% direct raise to the pay scale, dignified retirement and an end to job insecurity. The route target is the Zócalo, and the schedule does not rule out a move to IMSS headquarters.

The schedule estimates 1,000 participants. Infobae gave 3,000. The teachers’ coordinating group CNTE is listed as a supporting organization, and buses carrying demonstrators are expected. N+ also listed a separate 12 p.m. protest by IMSS workers at the institute’s southern delegation on Torres Adalid 1305, in Narvarte Oriente.

Delivery riders object to license and plate proposal

Two groups of motorcyclists plan to protest a proposal by the Mexico City Mobility Secretariat (Secretaría de Movilidad). It would require a special license and commercial plates for riders who deliver through apps such as Uber, DiDi, InDrive and Rappi. The riders say it would add costs and restrictions.

• The Consejo Nacional Motociclista gathers at 1:30 p.m. at the Secretaría de Movilidad on Avenida Álvaro Obregón 269, in Roma Norte. The schedule lists 90 participants and does not rule out traffic disruption.
• Plataformas Unidas del Poniente meets at noon in the motorcycle parking lot at Centro Santa Fe, Cuajimalpa. The schedule says the group may move to other points and block roads.

Other protests across the city

• At 9 a.m. in Cuajimalpa, relatives of a two-year-old allege physical abuse at the “Sunny Hill” daycare and march to the local prosecutor’s office, demanding the center’s closure.
• At 8 a.m., the Triqui Independent Unification and Struggle Movement protests at the Interior Ministry (Secretaría de Gobernación) over the deaths of two Triqui women from San Juan Copala, Oaxaca. Traffic disruption is expected, with 300 participants listed.
• At 10 a.m., the UNAM workers’ union gathers at the Chamber of Deputies, in Venustiano Carranza, asking for more public university funding. The schedule lists 3,000 participants.
• Residents of Metlatónoc and Cochoapa el Grande, Guerrero, are at the Zócalo during the day, asking the presidency to press the state government to repair 170 kilometers of the Tlapa–Metlatónoc road.
• Search group Luciérnagas Buscadoras meets at Chabacano station at 6:30 a.m. and Ermita station at 7 a.m. for a search day in the forest of Huitzilac, Morelos, for missing people.
• Parents at Secundaria Técnica No. 12 in San Simón Tolnáhuac protest at 7 a.m. over worn-out school furniture.
• Refugio Franciscano rallies at 11:30 a.m. on the México–Toluca highway against a court inspection requested by a foundation at the site where dogs are housed.
• Students at Preparatory School No. 9 in Lindavista hold a “Tendedero de Denuncias” at 12:30 p.m. to publicize alleged abuse and harassment cases.

Sources: News Report MX, Infobae, N+ Noticias