Workers To Take Over Matamoros Maquiladora

ByMexico Solidarity

This article by Victor Hugo Doran originally appeared in the February 13, 2026 edition of Milenio.

The entry of a new union is preparing for a strike at the Tridonex plant in Matamoros, one of the auto parts factories linked to First Brands Group.

The workers decided to give entry to the 30-22 Movement headed by Susana Prieto Terrazas, while the process was referred to the federal authorities.

Finsa Industrial Park Occupation

On Thursday afternoon, the union leader was outside the facilities of the complex located in the Finsa Industrial Park to ask the 1,300 affected workers to take over the facilities. She promised that the procedures to move the machinery and equipment to the safeguarded status would be accelerated, until buyers or businessmen who will resume operations are found.

The staff were part of the Union of Day Laborers and Industrial Workers and the Maquiladora Industry of Matamoros (SJOIIM) a few days ago.

Susana Prieto Terrazas

Labor Ministry Questions Occupation

In this regard, the Secretary of Labor in Tamaulipas, Gerardo Illoldi Reyes, stated that those involved made a desperate decision.

He noted that, although the deadline for reaching a settlement was met, the collection of signatures and the corresponding procedure were lacking.

Workers Take Possession of Industrial Buildings

“Yesterday, possession was taken of the three industrial buildings (two in Ciudad Juárez), there is no administrative staff and even less security personnel,” Prieto Terrazas declared. She stated that, with no company presence, the workers are now responsible for the facilities.

Prieto Terrazas mentioned that Juan Carlos Ruiz, a labor judge in the state, declared himself incompetent to hear the case, referring it to the Collective Labor Court in Mexico City.

She added that lawyer Victor Manuel Ortega is currently handling the legal process.

Strike Will have to be Rescheduled

“The strike was scheduled for February 19, but we need to change it,” the leader explained, saying that it is necessary to grant a period of six days between the notification and the declaration of the strike, which is key to requesting imputability and the safeguarding of assets.

After two weeks without a response, Prieto Terrazas stated that the procedure will be faster through the federal route. She reiterated that local authorities have not fully supported the workers.

“We must help them in the legal and judicial sphere, help 1,300 families in the uncertainty they are experiencing,” she said.

First Brands Group Bankruptcy Impacts Tridonex

The case is part of the First Brands Group network, a corporation that declared bankruptcy at the end of January after a fraud committed by its executives. Tridonex manufactured parts used in General Motors and Ford models.