Donate to Build Independent Unions in Mexico

Hi Friends!

For my Birthday this year, I am raising money for Micelio Rojo, a new organization fighting for dignified working conditions and labor rights in Northern Mexico. Micelio is working to build a democratic, independent union in the Mexican auto industry. Currently, they are in the middle of a campaign to build a union at a plant in Coahuila, Mexico (the campaign is not yet public, but its an important and strategic plant!).

There are a lot of reasons I really believe in this new organization. The team of organizers is hardworking, very skilled, and deeply committed to their community. The opportunities for labor organizing, especially in the Mexican auto industry are very ripe at the moment (I could say much more about why!). And, now more than ever, I believe it is important to show labor solidarity across borders. Read more about the emerging independent labor movement in Mexico here, and UAW solidarity here.

The labor movement in Mexico has long been dominated by company unions that don't represent the interests of workers. Micelio is part of an emerging independent labor movement in Mexico, building new unions that are led by workers and represent their interests. But, because this new movement is in its infancy, they need resources (there are no well resourced unions in Mexico that can fund new organizing- though if this new generation of organizers is successful that will soon change).

I spent some time over the summer on the ground with Micelio, door knocking and learning from them about the campaigns they have run so far. In the past two years, this team of organizers has already won two campaigns to build independent unions in factories in Northern Mexico. In the face of setbacks, they have proven themselves to be resilient. And most crucially, they have also developed strong committees of labor leaders, who are ready to fight. They just need the resources to do so.

Your donations will go to Micelio Rojo, which will be used for campaign expenses. I will be coordinating a call with the organizers for anyone on this side of the border who wants to learn about the Mexican labor movement and participate in a transnational organizing exchange. Details to follow!

In Solidarity,

Vera