Tonight, two hours after the polls closed, the national movement of rank-and-file workers at the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)—who oppose the “precarious” 6.8 percent overall salary increase—announced that the “no” vote had won in the 2026-2027 salary consultation organized by the National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS).
“Despite the pressure, attempts at imposition, and irregularities throughout the process, the IMSS workforce has spoken decisively; reports from our observers at the polling stations show a resounding rejection of the agreements reached behind their backs,” they stated.
While the dissident workers did not provide specific figures regarding the scale of the “no” victory, IMSS staff shared numerous photographs of the vote counts on social media. For instance, at the Troncoso General Zone Hospital, the results were 1,260 votes against, 64 in favor, and 3 null; at General Zone Hospital No. 15, there were 690 votes against, 31 in favor, and one null vote.
Vote counting began following the closure of polling locations
Following the closure of the polls at 670 voting locations, the counting of ballots began. This process will determine whether the workers participating in the consultation reject or endorse the proposed salary increase—consisting of a 2.9 percent raise to the base pay scale and a 3.9 percent increase in benefits. It is expected that, shortly, the dissident workers will issue a statement based on data gathered during this day of voting. The National Union of Social Security Workers (SNTSS)—the organization that called for this process following protests by thousands of workers dissatisfied with the wage agreement—is also expected to comment on the voting.
However, the final tally is not anticipated until the early morning hours. As of 7:00 p.m., 60 percent of the 475,000 workers eligible to vote had cast their ballots.
According to videos posted on social media, the vote count is being conducted aloud at various polling stations in the presence of workers; each ballot is removed from the ballot box, and the vote is announced. The results are then recorded in official minutes, which are posted in a public and visible location.
