| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| IMSS | The Mexican Social Security Institute, a major healthcare provider in Mexico. |
| Protest | A public demonstration where people express their demands or complaints. |
| Megamarcha | A very large march or protest. |
In Mexico, many healthcare workers from the IMSS protested for better pay and work conditions. IMSS is the large public healthcare provider in Mexico, helping about 78 million people. The workers want a 10% pay raise instead of the 2.9% increase offered. They also want more supplies and better conditions for patients and staff. These workers, including doctors and nurses, feel they were heroes during COVID-19, but now they feel forgotten and neglected.
On Tuesday, around 7,000 people marched in Mexico City, starting from the Siglo XXI National Medical Center. They walked to the IMSS offices on the famous street called Paseo de la Reforma. People in other cities like Monterrey and Tijuana also joined the protests. They shouted slogans like “Don’t get sick because there are no supplies” to get their message across.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum showed video footage of the protest and said the workers’ demands are being heard. She asked the IMSS director to make a plan to solve these problems quickly. The workers are ready to continue protesting if their needs are not met.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Protest | Protesta |
| Hospital | Hospital |
| Director | Director |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think healthcare workers are important in our society?
- What do you think could happen if there aren’t enough medical supplies in hospitals?
- How can people make a change if they feel something is unfair?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph.
- What are the main reasons IMSS workers are protesting?
- How did the government respond to the protests?
