Ever wonder about the spark that ignited labor rights in Mexico? The Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas or SME stands as a testament to that struggle. It embodies the relentless pursuit of workers’ rights. Today we stand before the Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas. Its story echoes through the halls of Mexican labor history.
The Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas was officially founded December 14, 1914. A group of electrical workers from the Mexican Light and Power company established it. They united with telephone workers and private electricians. Luis R. Ochoa was elected as the first Secretary General.
Initially, the organization was called Sindicato de Empleados y Obreros del Ramo Eléctrico. A week later on December 21, it was renamed Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas.
Let’s rewind to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The electrical industry in Mexico was just beginning. The “Mexican Light and Power” obtained a concession in 1903. It allowed them to exploit the Necaxa, Tenango and Xaltepuxtla rivers. The Necaxa hydroelectric plant in 1905 created jobs. However the work was poorly paid.
Mexican Light and Power became the electrical monopoly. By 1907, it had concessions to generate and distribute electricity. These concessions covered Mexico City and the states of Mexico, Puebla, Hidalgo and Michoacán.
The MLP introduced modern technology. Yet it also notoriously exploited its workers. Low salaries and a lack of representation fueled discontent. The company’s private police repressed any attempts at organizing. This exploitation led to the formation of the Liga de Electricistas Mexicanos.
In 1906, brothers Rafael and Silvestre Sánchez offered their home as a meeting place. It was located in the alley of San Juan de Dios. Luis R. Ochoa founded the Liga de Electricistas Mexicanos that year. The league’s main goal was to protect and support workers.
Despite these efforts, the company fired workers who promoted unionization. The Liga de Electricistas Mexicanos eventually dissolved due to its limited impact. But the seeds of change had been sown.
In October 1914, tram workers went on strike. They demanded better working conditions. The Carranza government seized the Mexico Trainways company. This event motivated the electricians to organize. Secret meetings led to a call for a new electrical workers union.
Thus, on December 14, 1914 the Sindicato de Empleados y Obreros del Ramo Eléctrico was created. Days later, it became the Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas.
The SME’s first publication was “Rojo y Negro”. Its first issue was December 14, 1915. The SME focused on improving salaries and working conditions. Key demands included higher wages and an eight-hour workday.
In January 1915, the SME launched a strike. The telephone company refused to recognize the union. The SME proposed seizing the telephone company. The government handed the company’s administration to the SME on February 6.
In March, an agreement with Ericsson led to some worker dismissals. The SME achieved most of its demands with Mexican Light and Power. However, the company still refused to recognize the union.
In March 1915, the company fired members of the negotiation committees. A strike broke out. By May, the strike had spread. The manager of Ericsson was forced to negotiate. He rehired the fired workers. The Mexican Light and Power resisted. They retained the salaries of unionized workers.
In its first five months, the SME conducted two strikes. These strikes improved working conditions and salaries.
By 1926, the SME faced economic hardships. Luis R. Ochoa was elected as Secretary General once more. He started a campaign to recapitalize the union.
Mateo Huarte analyzed the possibility of acquiring a property for the union. In April 1927, the union acquired a property on República de Colombia street. The building housed offices and classrooms. It also housed a cooperative for workers. The SME’s official magazine “LUX” was created there.
Today, the Sindicato Mexicano de Electricistas stands not just as a building. It stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a symbol of the unwavering pursuit of justice. Its history serves as a potent reminder. It reminds us of the power of unity in the face of adversity.