Mercado San Benito workers demand legal severance after restaurant closure

The Mercado San Benito restaurant in Ciudad Juárez closed on a Sunday after its lease was not renewed. About 30 employees say the owners are offering a resignation settlement (finiquito) rather than the legally required severance (liquidación) for what they claim is an unjust dismissal.

Employee Angel said, “They are giving us an amount as if it were a finiquito when we are asking for the liquidation because it was not our decision, they are closing.” Employee Noemí added that the company is trying to evade its legal responsibility and described hostile negotiations, including attempts to prevent workers from organizing and rude behavior from the legal team, whose lawyer was identified as Luna. Owner identified as Mr. Quevedo claims he lacks funds to cover the payments. The dispute raises concerns for families in a high‑cost city.