Mexico’s National Film Archive workers threaten to strike
The workers threatened to strike across National Film Archive locations if their demands are not met by March 27.
Labor and Capital
Mexico’s National Film Archive workers, who protested Saturday for better working conditions, have now threatened to strike over alleged workplace harassment they have experienced since the demonstration.
The workers, who earn less than minimum wage, are seeking better pay—as well as standard 40-hour workweeks with two days off, job security with legally required benefits, permanent contracts or at least three years of continuous employment, and increased transparency about wages and the institution’s finances.
The core of the dispute is the "Capítulo 3000" hiring scheme. Workers argue they are treated like employees but hired as "service providers" to avoid paying benefits.
The National Film Archive Collective, which represents the workers, said in a statement Wednesday that supervisors in the theater, candy store, cafeteria and ticket office have “resorted to intimidating their subordinates directly or with passive-aggressive comments” since the Saturday protest.
“They argued that continued employment within the institution, contract renewals, and possible raises would be conditional on the withdrawal of complaints and claims,” the collective said.
“They also stated that punitive actions would be taken, if not immediately, then as soon as the wave of complaints subsided. We emphasize that, contrary to the statements made by the authorities, this behavior occurred even before the protest held at the Xoco headquarters.”
The collective said workers hold Vicente Fernando Cázares, director of administration and finance at the institution, responsible for the alleged harassment.
“We once again urge that these demands be addressed as soon as possible, or no later than Friday, March 27, 2026,” the collective said. “Otherwise, the group of people who are part of Colectiva Cineteca … will proceed with a general strike.”
The workers are threatening to strike across every operation and venue run by the National Film Archive, including: Xoco, the original, main campus in the Xoco neighborhood of Mexico City; the Cineteca Nacional de las Artes and the facility in Chapultepec, a newer branch inside Chapultepec Park.
The workers also threatened to file a class action lawsuit.
The National Film Archive released a statement Wednesday in which it said it “fully recognizes and respects the right to free expression and protest” after the Saturday demonstration.
“Cineteca Nacional reiterates that it remains open to ongoing and constructive dialogue with all areas of the institution,” it said. “It also rejects and condemns any act of intimidation and emphasizes that it does not promote or support any action that violates the integrity or rights of its community.”
The institution said it has held working meetings with the Mexican Government's Ministry of Culture to address workers' concerns.
“Cineteca Nacional reaffirms its commitment to its staff and the public, prioritizing dialogue, transparency, and responsible attention to the issues raised,” it said.
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