Mexican shoemakers, not unlike adorable shoemaking elves, get their britches in a bunch when their work is outsourced overseas. They’re mad as hell and they’re not going to take it anymore!:

In a three-story mall filled entirely with shoe stores, the worried staff at the Bucker’s shop displays a sign next to those advertising their locally made sandals and loafers. “Proudly Mexican,” it reads.

About 40,000 factory workers and allies recently echoed the sentiment in the streets of Leon, urging the Mexican government to keep tariffs against Chinese shoes. In a rally tinged with nationalism, protesters chanted “Mexico, yes! China, no!”

The heart of Mexico’s shoe industry is closing ranks because a deal expired last month that permitted tariffs to protect it from cheaper Chinese shoes. Mexican officials said they now must open the market or face sanctions by the World Trade Organization.

That would give entirely new meaning to the term “lead foot.” Oh snaaaaaap!

Sigh.

Mexico’s shoemakers feel squeeze of globalization [Chicago Tribune]