AHMSA bankruptcy and worker settlement disputes

The bankruptcy of the steel company Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA) has led to prolonged legal and financial uncertainty for its former employees. Labor representatives have clarified that some workers appearing on labor credit lists are not due to double payments, but rather remain listed due to ongoing legal claims related to the insolvency proceedings.

A significant human toll has emerged during this period, with reports indicating that 87 former employees have died while awaiting their final settlements.

Following the court validation of liquidation lists, workers have been granted a window to verify their seniority and inclusion. However, actual disbursement of funds is not anticipated until next year, following a scheduled auction of the company set for September 25. Under current legal frameworks, severance will be calculated based on seniority, with entitlements including 480 days of salary subject to a legal cap, alongside proportional payments for vacations and Christmas bonuses.

As the auction date approaches, a Mexican district court has issued an urgent 48-hour deadline to the receiver, Víctor Manuel Aguilera Gómez. Judge Ruth Haggi Huerta García ordered the submission of a detailed report documenting efforts to sell the assets and verifying the existence of potential buyers. The court requires the receiver to present formal letters of conformity from guaranteed creditors and trustees to ensure the legality of including the assets in the public auction. The auction is intended to treat AHMSA and Minera del Norte (MINOSA) as a single productive unit to maximize market value. Failure to comply with the information request may result in a fine for the receiver.