The last few days have been filled with reunions, joy and power. We finally held an in-person National Meeting of worker leaders from CDM’s Migrant Defense Committee (Comité) in Mexico City. It was reenergizing to see that this group of worker leaders is more committed than ever to fight for migrant justice!
Day ONE: After kicking off the event by celebrating the Comité’s successes over the past year, we strategized for an incredible opportunity around our USMCA complaint: a listening session where U.S. government officials would hear about sex-based discrimination directly from migrant workers. Worker leaders defined their priorities and recommendations around access to justice, outreach and recruitment.
During the listening session, migrant workers took these insights to officials from the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the State Department, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office and others.
Attendees were moved by the testimonies of Maribel Hernández, Reyna Álvarez, Martín Dávila and co-petitioners Adarely Ponce and Maritza Pérez.
Day TWO: We started the day with a team-building exercise to help members learn more about each other and their communities. That was followed by an engaging workshop to establish the Comité’s priorities in the face of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Mexico, United States and Canada.
In the afternoon, workers identified changes in their contexts — across their regions in Mexico and in workplaces in the US. Health and safety was a key issue for everyone in the room.
The CDM team provided updates regarding COVID-19 so the Comité could spread that information, equipping more workers with critical information about their rights.
Day THREE: Our last day was bittersweet. While we were happy to welcome 11 new members to the Comité, we were sad to see everyone leave. But before we said goodbye, the Comité agreed to work in their communities and workplaces and invite more migrant workers to fight for justice. We’re beyond grateful that we get to collaborate with such wonderful people who are committed and dedicated to advancing migrant justice.
For 15 years, the Comité has been at the heart of CDM’s work, guiding our strategies, reaching workers in communities across Mexico and building power. I left Mexico City feeling grateful to collaborate with this powerful group — ready to begin 2022 by putting the Comité’s ideas into action. Will you stand with worker leaders from the Comité by making a donation to CDM?
