Retirees from Mexico's state energy companies are protesting a congressional reform they say illegally reduced their pensions by approximately 60% [2].

These demonstrations highlight a growing conflict between the Mexican government's fiscal reforms and the guaranteed benefits of former employees from the country's most critical infrastructure sectors.

Protests occurred in several cities earlier this month. In Guanajuato, around 80 retirees [1] gathered at the Aeropuerto Internacional de Guanajuato in Silao. Other demonstrations took place in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and at the intersection of Bulevar Independencia and Calzada Colón in Torreón.

The affected workers include retirees from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) and Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) [1]. Some reports also include retirees from Banobras and Luz y Fuerza del Centro [1].

The protesters said the cuts target those with so-called "golden pensions." They said the recent reform violates their legal rights. According to reports from Sinaloa, the reform introducing these cuts was published on the 10th of the month [3].

While some reports indicate the protests involved a small group of around 80 people in specific locations [1], other summaries suggest the reform could impact up to 50,000 trust-level retirees. The demonstrators said the reduction is a massive blow to their financial stability.

“Retirees denounce a massive reduction in their pensions, which they say is illegal.”

The unrest reflects a broader tension in Mexico regarding the sustainability of high-level pensions for former state employees. By targeting 'golden pensions,' the government is attempting to reduce public spending, but the legal challenges from retirees suggest that these benefits may be contractually protected, potentially leading to a prolonged legal battle between the state and its former workforce.