Around 200 workers from the Pol-Alfa platform of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) in Campeche began a hunger strike on Monday, February 10, in protest of the poor quality of food service on the oil platforms. The employees pointed out that Pemex has not covered the payment to the company contracted to provide food, resulting in low-quality meals. Some workers reported gastrointestinal illnesses after consuming this food, which led them to protest about the conditions they are facing on the platforms.
The affected workers have sent complaints regarding the situation to the Deputy Secretary of Labor for Pool-Alfa and to the Joint Commission on Safety and Hygiene. These complaints have been accumulating for at least six years without receiving a response and have negatively impacted the health of the workers. In their demands, the workers are requesting fresh, quality food in sufficient quantities to supply the warehouse and maintain an adequate stock, as they currently find it empty.
Although the hunger strike was planned to last 48 hours, it could be extended if the Union does not respond to the situation on the platforms. The Pol-Alfa workers invited their colleagues from other platforms facing similar circumstances to join the demonstration. Among the participants in the hunger strike are workers from the oil maintenance, gas maintenance, gas operation, and industrial safety departments.
Regarding Pemex's response, the company's director, Víctor Rodríguez, mentioned during a conference that they are addressing the cases. A meeting has been held to resolve the issues, which include the lack of payment to the food company. This debt adds to the one Pemex has with other suppliers, which, according to reports, remains largely unresolved.
In addition to the situation faced by workers in Campeche, Pemex is facing financial difficulties that impact its operations and commitments. The total debt of the company to suppliers exceeds 400 billion pesos, and despite making recent payments, some sectors consider them insufficient. Indebtedness, fiscal problems, and payment delays could lead to staff cuts and affect employees and subcontractors.
In light of this situation, workers, subcontractors, and their families do not rule out carrying out mobilizations to pressure for the liquidation of the debt and to restore their working conditions. With uncertainty about the future of Pemex's operations and its suppliers, the situation remains tense in the Campeche region.
