Abstract

SPEARS KIRKLAND, Andrea; HEATH CONSTABLE, Hilarie J.  and  ACEVES CALDERON, Patricia. Mexicanos calificados y deseosos de trabajar: políticas de empleo y agrupaciones sindicales en la industria ferroviaria bajacaliforniana (1902-1955). Región y sociedad [online]. 2015, vol.27, n.63, pp.213-247. ISSN 2448-4849.

This article analyzes the conflict that existed between the Mexican labor force and the foreign-owned railway companies -subsidiaries of the San Francisco-based Southern Pacific Railroad- which operated in the cross-border region of Baja California and California before 1970. From the moment construction of the railway lines began in the early 20th century, the companies implemented discriminatory labor practices that became more acute over the following decades. Unequal working conditions led to a series of confrontations in which workers sought to improve their working conditions and Mexicanize the labor force, as well as clashes between rival unions claiming to represent their interests.

Keywords : railroad workers; labor practices; unionization; Mexicanization; foreign-owned railroad companies; Baja California.