Mexico's mine union said that almost all of the Mexican mines and metals plants were shut as workers took part in a one day national strike in memory of 65 men killed by a coal mine explosion a year ago.

Mr Carlos Pavon a union leader said that “About 90 % of unionized operations were closed by the strike. The miners didn't go to work, they protested with assemblies, religious masses and marches."

But a union leadership conflict meant not all workers across Mexico laid down tools. The union is split into two factions, one of which supports an ousted leader accused of corruption. That faction called the commemorative strike.