The National Union of the Collective Transport System Metro of Mexico City began staggered strikes on Monday, April 13, 2026, by not working overtime, leading to the loss of about 800 train runs and affecting nearly 2 million users. Union leader Fernando Espino highlighted severe issues like 7,000 fractured sleepers on Line 1 and lack of major maintenance on 70% of trains. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there are no reasons for the strike, as resources are being invested in renovations.
The union, led by Fernando Espino, protested the lack of response to issues raised over five months. "The system is practically collapsed", Espino said in an interview with Ciro Gómez Leyva. Key problems include constant derailment risk on Line 1 due to 7,000 fractured sleepers, 70% of trains without major maintenance (many over 2 million kilometers), 84 trains out of service, and constant sparks from lack of supplies.
The Metro reported high crowds on lines 1 (Pantitlán-Observatorio), 3 (Indios Verdes-Universidad), 7 (El Rosario-Barranca del Muerto), 9 (Pantitlán-Tacubaya), and A (Pantitlán-La Paz) at 8:54 a.m. Social media users reported waits of 10 minutes or more on lines 1 and 8.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there are "no motives to protest", noting the renovation of Line 1, reopened on November 16, 2025, and ongoing work on lines 2 and 3. The CDMX Government announced afternoon talks between Metro director Adrián Rubalcava Suárez and the union to address safety, maintenance, and labor conditions, expecting normal service on Tuesday.
Espino threatened to escalate protests starting Wednesday, April 15, with "arms folded" in technical areas until a response from Clara Brugada's government.
