Ministry of Culture says Denmark Building 84 has security checks and opinions

Workers from the Federal Secretary of Culture’s union have rejected moving back into the damaged building at Dinamarca 84, which was affected by earthquakes in 2017, according to reports from El Universal. On the day of the protest, approximately 50 workers from the National Democratic Workers' Union of the Federal Secretary of Culture blocked traffic near Chapultepec and Dinamarca avenues starting at 6 a.m. and lasting until 3 p.m. The demonstration included sections from several states including Coahuila, Chiapas, Morelos, Veracruz, Jalisco, Puebla, and the State of Mexico. The workers claimed the building does not meet minimum safety standards and demanded official documents confirming its structural integrity before returning to work. The union's spokesperson, Maritza Hernández, one of three executive members, stated that after the 2017 earthquakes, the building sustained damage. However, two weeks ago, the workers were asked to return to this location, previously their workplace at Reforma avenue. According to the union’s call for action, the closure of the premises is a preventive, legitimate, and peaceful measure due to the failure of responsible authorities to ensure basic workplace safety conditions. They emphasized that activities will not resume until official reports confirm the building is safe for occupation. The protest highlighted concerns over the lack of both structural and current civil protection assessments, which put the physical well-being of workers at risk. Workers described the new facilities as inadequate, with issues such as malfunctioning restrooms, insufficient paper supplies, intermittent internet access, and inconsistent elevator operation. Some employees reported being unable to perform tasks on Friday due to complete internet outage. Others recounted being required to travel between Reforma and Dinamarca multiple times during the day. Additional complaints include poor ventilation, overcrowded floors, tilting structures, moisture problems, and faulty elevators. One worker described the building as leaning and noted that chairs in certain areas seemed to move independently when someone stood nearby. Another account mentioned an incident where an elevator became stuck with workers inside. These experiences have fueled the ongoing resistance to returning to the building. The workers have requested the submission of both structural and civil protection documents from the head of human resources, Armando Orozco Vidrio. Hernández informed that the head of the Administrative Finance Unit acknowledged the absence of these documents, leading to the decision not to return to the site until they are received. This situation has created a stalemate, with the workers insisting on proper documentation before resuming operations. The dispute highlights broader tensions around workplace safety and administrative transparency within public institutions. As the standoff continues, the outcome will depend on whether the necessary evaluations can be completed promptly and whether the workers’ demands are met. Until then, the workers remain committed to their position, emphasizing their right to a secure working environment.