Come to learn about Tijuana workers' conditions and struggles!
Saturday, Oct 16, 2010
Conoce las luchas y condiciones de trabajo de los y las trabajadoras de las maquilas
Sábado 16 de Octubre, 2010
[Versión en español: ver abajo]
English Version
TIJUANA MAQUILADORA TOUR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 9 AM TO 3:30 PM
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Citizens returning from Mexico must present an U.S. passport. For more information, see the State Dept. web site
All tour participants must read the US travel alert to Mexico and sign the tour waiver. Please see the alert below.
SCHEDULE (THERE MAY BE SLIGHT VARIATIONS FROM TOUR TO TOUR.)
9:00 am sharp: San Ysidro/Tijuana border-bus station. We will walk together to cross the border gate and travel to our locations in Tijuana using chartered buses for transportation.
9:45-10 am: The crosses at the border: 4,500 immigrants have died trying to cross the border.
10:30- 11:15 am: Otay Industrial Park: Sanyo, Metales y Derivados, other maquiladoras
NOTE: We will visit the Tijuana industrial area but won’t enter any factory.
11:30 – 12:00 pm: Community Ejido Chilpancingo-Rio Alamar: industrialization, health, environment
12:30- 1 pm: Lunch 1-2:30 pm: Maquiladora workers and Indigenous immigrants: NAFTA and fair trade, immigration and exploitation, industrialization and labor health, activism and social change
NOTE: Working women in Tijuana are organizing artisan cooperatives and promoting an alternative economy. They will bring their handcrafts to the tour. To learn in advance about these cooperatives, please go to Cooperatives
2:30-3:00 pm: Return to the bus station
US: $30 regular, $20 students
Donations cover the bus, lunch, and a donation to the workers’ organizations.
If you prefer to use the postal system, or for more information, please contact: Herb Shore: sdmaquila@cox.net, (619) 287-5535
Sponsored by Colectivo Ollincalli Tijuana, San Diego Maquiladora Workers' Solidarity Network, and Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras
Version en Espanol
MAQUILADORAS EN TIJUANA: UN RECORRIDO
SABADO 16 DE OCTUBRE, 9 AM TO 3:30 PM
Nota importante:
Ciudadanos de EUA necesitan pasaporte para regresar a EUA.
Ciudadanos de EUA tienen que leer la alerta del Departamento de Estado y firmar el waiver. Please see the alert below.
AGENDA DEL TOUR (PUEDE VARIAR UN POCO DE UNO A OTRO TOUR)
9:00 am en punto en la estación del trolley de San Ysidro o la estación de taxis de la entrada a Tijuanas desde San Ysidro. Desde la estación de trolley cruzaremos la frontera a pie para abordar un autobús particular que nos transportará en Tijuana
9:45-10 am: Visita a las cruces en la frontera: 4,500 emigrantes han muerto tratando de cruzar la forntera.
10:30- 11:15 am: Parque Industrial de Otay: Sanyo, Metales y Derivados, otras maquiladoras
NOTA: Visitaremos una zona industrial de Tijuana pero no entraremos a ninguna fábrica.
11:30 – 12:00 pm: Comunidad Ejido Chilpancingo-Rio Alamar: industrialización, salud, medio ambiente
12:30- 1 pm: Lunch
1-2:30 pm: Trabajadoras y trabajadores de la maquila e indígenas inmigrantes: TLC y libre comercio, emigración y explotación, industrialización y salud laboral, activismo y cambio social
NOTE: Trabajadoras de Tijuana están organizando cooperativas artesanales y promoviendo una economía alternativa. Ellas traerán su producción al tour. Para saber de ellas, favor de visitar la página: http://www.ollincallicm.blogspot.com/
2:30-3:00 pm: Regreso a la terminal del autobús en la frontera
DONACIONES
USA: $30 regular, $20 students
México: $20 regular, $10 estudiantes, Gratis a trabajadoras/es
Las donaciones cubren el autobús, almuerzo y una donación a las organizaciones de trabajadoras
Para reservar, favor de escribir a maquilatijuanasandiego@earthlink.net
Invitan: Colectivo Ollincalli Tijuana, Red de San Diego en Solidaridad con los y las Trabajadoras de las Maquiladoras, y la Coalición Pro-Justicia en las Maquiladoras
TRAVEL ALERT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Mexico, Aug 27, 2010
The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico…
Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year. This includes tens of thousands who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.
It is imperative that U.S. citizens understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime or violence. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.
General Conditions: Since 2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs). Mexican DTOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle with each other for control of trafficking routes. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country. U.S. citizens should expect to encounter military and other law enforcement checkpoints when traveling in Mexico and are urged to cooperate fully. DTOs have erected unauthorized checkpoints, and killed motorists who have not stopped at them. In confrontations with the Mexican army and police, DTOs have employed automatic weapons and grenades. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. According to published reports, 22,700 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006. The great majority of those killed have been members of DTOs. However, innocent bystanders have been killed in shootouts between DTOs and Mexican law enforcement.
Recent violent attacks and persistent security concerns have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to defer unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila… and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.
Violence Along the U.S.-Mexico Border: Much of the country’s narcotics-related violence has occurred in the northern border region. For example, since 2006, three times as many people have been murdered in Ciudad Juarez, in the state of Chihuahua, across from El Paso, Texas, than in any other city in Mexico. More than half of all Americans killed in Mexico in FY 2009 whose deaths were reported to the U.S. Embassy were killed in the border cities of Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana.
Since 2006, large firefights have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico, often in broad daylight on streets and other public venues. Such firefights have occurred mostly in northern Mexico, including Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras, Reynosa, Matamoros and Monterrey. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.
The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the region, particularly in those areas specifically mentioned in this Travel Warning…
In recent months, DTOs have used stolen trucks to block major highways and thus prevent the military from responding to criminal activity, most notably in the area around Monterrey. Also in Monterrey, DTOs have kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown area, blocking off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response. DTOs have also attacked Mexican government facilities such as military barracks and a customs and immigration post.
U.S. citizens should defer non-essential travel to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua…
The Consular agency in Reynosa, Tamaulipas was closed temporarily in February 2010 in response to firefights between police and DTOs and between DTOs. In April 2010, a grenade thrown into the Consulate compound at 11:00 PM caused damage to the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo and the Consular Agency in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, were closed for one day as a result. The Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo prohibits employees from entering the entertainment zone in Nuevo Laredo known as “Boys Town” because of concerns about violent crime in that area.
Between 2006 and 2009, the number of narcotics-related murders in the state of Durango increased ten-fold…
Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery that has resulted in violence and have also been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana…
The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern…
Safety Recommendations: U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican law enforcement officials and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or the nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible. Any U.S. visitor who suspects they are a target should consider returning to the United States immediately. U.S. citizens should be aware that many cases of violent crime are never resolved by Mexican law enforcement, and the U.S. government has no authority to investigate crimes committed in Mexico.
U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure…
U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks…
Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items… U.S. citizens should be alert for credit card fraud, especially outside major commercial establishments.
U.S. citizens should be alert to pickpockets and general street crime throughout Mexico, but especially in large cities. Between FY 2006 and FY 2009 the number of U.S. passports reported stolen in Mexico rose from 184 to 288.
Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings: Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly… During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.
Demonstrators in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major arteries, or take control of toll-booths on highways. U.S. citizens should avoid confrontations in such situations…
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.
Further Information: U.S. citizens are urged to monitor local media for information about fast-breaking situations that could affect their security… For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)… For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate…
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City… telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000; e-mail: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov
WAIVER OF LIABILITY / ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I have read and understood the current Travel Alert for Mexico, posted by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Bureau of Consular Affairs. I have voluntarily joined a Maquiladora Tour to Tijuana, Mexico. I understand that there are great differences between this country and my own. These differences include climate, living conditions, diet, water quality, transportation, medical care, and physical safety. I also understand that health care facilities in Mexico are minimal and that access to all types of health care, including for emergencies, may be difficult. I understand that I will not be able to expect the same type of health care as I would receive in my own country. I understand that the San Diego Maquiladora Workers’ Solidarity Network (SDMWSN) and other individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour are not responsible for my health care or coverage, either during the tour or afterwards. Furthermore, I realize that there are no guarantees against personal injury, robbery, or death while part of this Maquiladora Tour.
I understand that there are specific legal requirements for travel to Mexico, and illegal activity could result in grave legal consequences for myself, the SDMWSN, and individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour. For this reason, I agree to abide by Mexican law while I am in Mexico. I understand that the Maquiladora Tour ends with the final planned activity of the tour followed by the immediate return across the border, and after this time SDMWSN and individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour are discharged and held harmless in any participant’s decision which deviates from this process after the tour is completed in Mexico.
With this understanding, and in consideration for my participation in the Maquiladora Tour, I completely accept and assume all responsibility for any and all risks of damage, sickness, or personal injury which may occur during, or resulting from my participation in the tour, including, but not limited to, those risks described above. In signing this document I expressly release, discharge, and hold harmless the SDMWSN and individuals and organizations that sponsor, organize and promote this maquiladora tour to the maximum extent permitted by law in any state, territory, district, or country.
I have read and understand the foregoing and sign it voluntarily. I am of sound mind and act of my own free will and without any coercion or duress in signing this WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK.
Name:
Signature:
Date:
