# IMSS childcare and labor developments in Mexico

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/imss-childcare-and-labor-developments-in-mexico
> Updated: 2026-09-24T16:14:00.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 2.

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has recently focused on expanding and maintaining childcare services, though the initiative faces growing operational and labor challenges. In mid-September, IMSS opened new Child Education and Care Centers (CECI) in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, specifically the San Isidro and Gladiolas facilities. These centers, part of a commitment by President Claudia Sheinbaum and Director General Zoé Robledo, aim to support working mothers by providing health, nutrition, and early childhood education for children up to four years of age.

By late September, the institute faced intensified internal and external pressures. IMSS workers and retirees launched widespread protests across multiple states, including Mexico City, Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Sinaloa. Demonstrators rejected a 2.9 percent base salary adjustment proposed by the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS), demanding a 10 percent increase to combat inflation. Key grievances include critical shortages of medicines and medical supplies, inadequate working conditions, and concerns regarding retirement benefits and the transfer of funds to Afores. In Veracruz, these shortages prompted a formal request for accountability from the Mexican Senate.

In Jalisco, healthcare employees, including nurses and doctors, have demonstrated against insufficient medical supplies, such as gauze and medicines, and a lack of personnel to cover vacancies. In Ciudad Juárez, workers are organizing further demonstrations for late September and early October to address wage concerns and alleged threats regarding the loss of union rights. Simultaneously, representatives of subcontracted daycare centers warned of potential closures beginning January 1, 2027. Providers cited rising costs for food, wages, and security that exceed current IMSS reimbursement rates, affecting approximately 630 centers nationwide. In Yucatán, medical and nursing staff at O’Horán Hospital staged protests demanding reinstatement to their home state following relocations during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing unfulfilled promises from Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena.

## Claims

- IMSS workers and retirees are demanding a 10% direct increase to their base salary. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Protesters rejected a 2.9% increase to the tabular salary approved by the SNTSS leadership. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Workers are demanding better supplies, medicines, and improved working conditions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Workers and retirees have called for a new march on October 1 at 10:00 AM. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Health workers in Yucatán are protesting to be reinstated to their home state after being relocated during the pandemic. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Protesters accused Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena of failing to fulfill campaign promises regarding their return to Yucatán. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 630 subcontracted nurseries nationwide are at risk of closing due to insufficient funding. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: IMSS workers protest across Mexico over wages and supplies

IMSS workers in Mexico are protesting across Jalisco, Yucatán, and Ciudad Juárez, demanding a 10% salary increase, better medical supplies, and the reinstatement of pandemic-era relocated staff.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imss-workers-protest-in-mexico-city-as-daycare-centers-warn-of-closures

### 2026-09-18: IMSS opens new childcare centers in Ciudad Juárez

The IMSS has opened two new Child Education and Care Centers (CECI) in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to provide health, nutrition, and education services for children aged 43 days to 4 years.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imss-opens-new-childcare-centers-in-ciudad-jurez

---
Cite as: IMSS childcare and labor developments in Mexico. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/imss-childcare-and-labor-developments-in-mexico