AMOTAC's Nationwide Strike: Escalating Demands and Results

In a nationwide strike on Thursday, Feb. 15, members of the Mexican Alliance of Carrier Organizations (AMOTAC) carried out blockades on the country's main highways, demanding government action to address the escalating insecurity in the country. The strike also called for resolutions on issues such as the prohibition and regulation of double trailers and an end to extortion.

In a document obtained by MBN, the Ministry of Interior (SEGOB), in a letter dated Feb. 9, proposed an inter-institutional meeting on Feb. 13 with key government departments, including SEGOB,  the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), and the National Guard. The goal was to reopen dialogue and discuss AMOTAC's demands.

However, AMOTAC's National Coordinator, Miguel Ángel Santiago, told MBN that the talks were unproductive. According to Santiago, the government acknowledged AMOTAC’s concerns verbally but refused to commit to any written agreements. The dialogue collapsed as the government insisted on addressing the issues without halting the strike or acknowledging AMOTAC's demands in writing.

On Feb. 14, AMOTAC stated that its demands include increased security for transporters and users, a ban on double-tank articulated vehicles, and the return of previously toll-free federal highways. 

During the same day, the Confederation of Industrial Chambers (CONCAMIN) issued a statement urging dialogue between transporters and the government. CONCAMIN emphasized finding solutions without infringing on the rights of third parties and called for an effective government security strategy.

AMOTAC's strike affected major routes, including Via Morelos, Mexico-Tulancingo, Mexico-Queretaro, Mexico-Pachuca, Arco Norte, and Mexico-Cuautla, disrupting traffic and drawing attention to their cause. 

During today's morning press conference on Thursday, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated that he would not meet with AMOTAC at the National Palace, adding that SEGOB was already handling the matter. He suggested that the strike had political motives linked to upcoming elections, dismissing it as a ploy to create conflict.

In response, Luisa María Alcalde, Head, SEGOB, reported that 120 meetings had taken place with AMOTAC members, working on strategies to ensure the safety of transporters on highways. She revealed ongoing efforts to address administrative issues and collaborate with state and municipal authorities to address complaints and demands efficiently.

Despite these efforts, AMOTAC chose to leave the negotiation table on Feb. 14, initiating blockades that the government deemed unfounded and unjustified. Alcalde suggested that the actions seemed more politically motivated than focused on the ongoing collaborative efforts.

A member of AMOTAC said to MBN in response to the president's comments that "the truth is that there is no intention to address or resolve the security issue. The government refuses to acknowledge that crime has overwhelmed them and lacks a security plan." 

About six hours after the strike began, AMOTAC confirmed submitting a proposal to the Mexican government. SEGOB expressed its commitment to reinforce federal highway security in response, already deploying 2,000 new patrol cars and 620 National Guard personnel. An additional 800 trained personnel will join in July. The government pledged to continue working with AMOTAC through ongoing meetings, addressing various concerns, and striving for collaborative solutions.