With a firm commitment to ensuring safer environments for workers, the Union of Industrial Workers and Laborers of the Maquiladora Industry (SJOIIM), the Regional Federation of Workers of Matamoros (FRTM), and representatives from the Ministry of Public Security held a second meeting to continue their dialogue on road safety.

The session was led by Juan Villafuerte Morales, General Secretary of both SJOIIM and FRTM, and focused on key concerns regarding safety during workers’ entry and exit hours, as well as other day-to-day risks encountered during their commutes.

Participation and Key Topics Discussed

The dialogue table included participation from Lic. José Luis García Castillo, Director of Transit, and Lic. Francisco Vega, Coordinator of Security, Police, and Transit, who listened to the concerns raised by representatives of various unions affiliated with the FRTM.

One of the main topics discussed was the importance of promoting road safety culture among workers. As a preventive measure, it was proposed to offer road safety education workshops to help reduce risks and encourage mutual respect among pedestrians, drivers, and motorcyclists in industrial zones.

Proposed Measures to Improve Road Safety

The proposals discussed during this meeting aim to:

• Strengthen collaboration between unions and public security authorities
  
• Implement effective measures to reduce accident risks during shift changes
  
• Distribute educational material on traffic rules adapted to workplace environments
  
• Design joint prevention and surveillance strategies in high-traffic labor zones
  

These actions are designed to protect the physical integrity of workers, considering that daily transportation is one of the most vulnerable moments, especially in areas with high vehicle flow or poor road infrastructure.

Final Reflection

With this second meeting, SJOIIM and FRTM reaffirm their commitment to safety and well-being, working hand in hand with local authorities to implement real and sustainable solutions.

These types of dialogues and cooperative efforts not only help identify the daily challenges faced by workers, but also prove that when unions and authorities collaborate, it’s possible to build safer and more dignified environments for the entire working class.