Approximately 200 workers of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) have initiated a hunger strike, protesting the poor quality of food service on the Pol-A platform of the Pol Chuc complex in Campeche Sound. The strike began on Monday, driven by complaints about limited food options, which have been attributed to non-payment to suppliers.
Internal Pemex sources revealed to the Mexican Editorial Organization (OEM) that the poor food quality is due to unpaid bills to suppliers of food and transportation (maritime, air, and land). Workers have reported receiving only a limited menu, despite initial agreements promising three meal options.
It is expected that most supplier companies will receive payments by the end of March, once sufficient resources from the 2025 fiscal budget have been allocated. This delay affects not only Pemex but also state governments with outstanding debts to suppliers.
One Pemex employee, preferring to remain anonymous, explained that despite their contract stipulating three menu options, the current offerings are limited to eggs, beans, rice, and tortillas.
Pemex’s general director, Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, acknowledged the issue during a press conference, and President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed that efforts are underway to resolve the problem. Rodríguez Padilla stated that payments to suppliers began in late December 2024 and will continue through the first quarter of 2025. The federal government has pledged 136 billion pesos for debt amortization.
According to Rubén Rosiñol Abreu, president of the Association of Business Men and Women in Carmen (AHMN), only 5-10% of suppliers based in Ciudad del Carmen had received payments by the end of January. The delay has led to significant layoffs, affecting 140 direct contractors and many indirect suppliers.
By late 2024, approximately 17,000 offshore workers had stopped receiving food due to non-payment to suppliers. Petrochemical engineer Sebastián, a worker at one of the affected supplier companies, clarified that his payment was only possible through a service previously contracted with a private insurance company.
Rodríguez Padilla announced ambitious plans for Pemex, including increasing liquid hydrocarbons production to an average of 1.8 million barrels per day and significant investments in refining, petrochemicals, and natural gas. The company aims to achieve production-derived income of up to 5 billion pesos through 12 strategic projects.
The Pemex workers’ hunger strike underscores the broader financial challenges facing the company and its suppliers. While efforts are underway to address the immediate issues, long-term solutions will be crucial to ensure stability and growth in the energy sector.
Source: El Sol de Mexico
