The National Front for the 40-Hour Workweek joined the march against the General Development Plan (PGD) of Mexico City, a mobilization that evidenced the discontent of social and labor organizations over what they consider the exclusion of the working class from the capital's planning.
The protest, called by the Front of the Peoples of Anáhuac, started at San Antonio Abad Metro and concluded at the Zócalo, where a rally was held in front of the Municipal Palace. During the mobilization, the National Front for the 40-Hour Workweek pointed out that the PGD does not contemplate sufficient guarantees for the working class, even though this sector sustains the city's economic dynamism.
According to the demonstrators, the document maintains a productivity-centered logic, oriented towards private sector benefits, without establishing clear mechanisms to improve incomes or working conditions. They also warned that the plan lacks concrete proposals to address the labor effects of technological advancement, including the implementation of artificial intelligence in production processes.
Criticisms of the consultation process
The organizations accused the PGD consultation process of being a sham, stating that participation spaces have become political acts without effective dialogue. In this sense, they demanded to extend consultation deadlines beyond April 10, as well as to ensure accessible hours for the working class to participate in forums.
Additionally, they requested that the proposals of peoples and neighborhoods be effectively integrated into the final document.
Allegations against the city government
During the rally, the demonstrators complained about the lack of direct dialogue with the Head of Government, Clara Brugada. According to their denunciation, an unidentified official attempted to interrupt the demonstration, which was interpreted as an institutional unwillingness to address their demands.
They also reported the presence of officials and police in civilian clothes who allegedly took photographs of attendees, causing concern among participants.
A debate that transcends the city
The National Front for the 40-Hour Workweek stated that the discussion on the PGD is linked to the national debate on the reduction of the workday and the so-called "labor spring." In this context, they warned that if changes are not incorporated, the plan could consolidate a model that prioritizes business interests over labor rights.
Between urban development and labor rights
The mobilization uncovered a deep-rooted conflict between urban planning and labor demands in the country's capital. While the government pushes a long-term development project, social organizations warn that without guarantees for the working class, any strategy will be incomplete.
The debate now moves to the consultation process, where it will be decided whether the General Development Plan incorporates or not the demands of those who took to the streets.
