National deputy and union leader Mario Manrique denounced that the government's true objective is 'to fragment the unions to impose flexibility,' warning that the labor reform does not seek to modernize employment but to disarm the negotiating power of the labor movement and facilitate a scheme where the employer's will always prevails. Manrique was firm in stating that the government's discussion is based on a 'narrative' that does not hold up in reality. The era of declarations is over, and the labor union center must assume a more active role. Manrique described a critical situation in the automotive sector: between 3,500 and 4,000 jobs have been lost this year, and plants are operating at 45-50% of their capacity. He also criticized the current economic model as financial rather than productive, accusing the government of forgiving business debts while they do not hire new workers.
