Cesar Chavez wannabes beware. Company-hired thugs known as "Los Chombos" stave off fledgling labor actions through intimidation and the occasional explosive disintegration of an unlucky union leader's kneecap. For about 30 bucks, a gang member will forward a threat to a labor leader. For US$500, the gang will punch a bullet hole into the guy, but in a bodily location where he'll live to brag about it six months later at union meetings after the cast is removed. For a negotiated fee, they'll make the dude "disappear." Mexico City is the most dangerous place to organize labor activities. But, personally, I wouldn't organize a gathering of lettuce pickers for anything more than a Corona and a wedge of lime anywhere in Mexico.
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