Tornel Strike Resolution Hinges on 40 Hour Workweek & Tornel’s Legal Obligations

ByArturo Rivero

This article by Arturo Rivero originally appeared in the May 24, 2026 edition of Lafuentelaboral.

The demand to apply a 40-hour weekwork and the claim for contractual arrears remain as the main tipping point that prevents the resolution of the strike at the Hulera Tornel Company plant, a conflict that’s lasted three months without a definitive agreement.

Workers have continued the strike from February 23rd. Although the union and the company advanced at some points of the fold related to salary and benefits, negotiations continue to be focused on two issues: the effective reduction of the working day and the payment of debts such as aguinaldo [a legally mandated end-of-year bonus – ed.], vacation premium and social security contributions.

The conflict develops in the midst of open proceedings before the Federal Center for Conciliation and Labour Registration and the Federal Labour Court, where hearings continue without so far a final agreement that allows the resumption of operations.

Along with the contractual dispute, the union claims that the company has avoided going to some conciliation tables or has not submitted concrete proposals on the central points of the conflict, a situation that has increased distrust between the two parties and prolonged negotiations.

During this month of May, workers moved their protests to public spaces in Mexico City to request the federal government’s intervention and maintain political pressure on the case. Meanwhile, the strike continues to operate as a mechanism of union pressure and without a set date for its resolution.