Background on CNTE and Relevance
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a prominent union representing teachers in Mexico. Their ongoing protests aim to secure better working conditions and have led to significant disruptions in Mexico City, including blocking access to the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM).
Current Situation
On this Friday, around 13:00 hours, the Sistema de Transporte Colectivo (STC) Metro announced the reopening of Terminal Aérea and Hangares stations, fully restoring service on Line 5. This came after the CNTE members blocked access and nearby avenues surrounding the two AICM terminals, causing traffic collapse in various parts of Mexico City.
Impact on Airport Users
The AICM administration urged its users to take precautions due to anticipated road access issues. Security measures, including the deployment of naval units from the Secretary of Marina (Semar) and private security personnel at the airport, were implemented to manage the situation.
Support for Travelers
To assist travelers with scheduled flights on this day, elements from the subsecretary of Traffic Control at the local Security Secretariat (SSC) provided vehicles to facilitate user access to the capital’s airport terminals.
Metro Service Restoration
Throughout the morning, the STC Metro operated with closures in several stations due to CNTE mobilizations, causing confusion among passengers who were not previously informed about the disruptions.
CNTE Pressure and Sheinbaum’s Stance
The teachers’ protests affected the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City’s Historic Center on Wednesday, preventing journalists and officials from attending the usual morning press conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sheinbaum’s Response
Due to the aggressive protests, Sheinbaum canceled a planned meeting for this Friday with CNTE leaders and delegated it to her Education and Governance (Segob) secretaries. She stated, “There are things that aren’t right… The dialogue remains open at the highest level, but under these conditions, I don’t see the point of meeting with me.”
CNTE Demands
Besides salary increases, the CNTE demands the repeal of a 2007 pension system reform that altered the management of retirement funds. On Tuesday, protesters removed toll booths on major highways connecting Mexico City to other states, allowing free vehicle passage.
In March, another CNTE protest caused chaos at Benito Juárez Airport, one of the busiest in Latin America.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is CNTE? The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a significant union representing teachers in Mexico.
- What are their demands? CNTE seeks better working conditions, including salary increases and the repeal of a 2007 pension system reform.
- How are travelers affected? CNTE protests have blocked access to Mexico City’s AICM, causing traffic disruptions and requiring authorities to assist travelers.
- What is Sheinbaum’s stance? President Claudia Sheinbaum canceled a meeting with CNTE leaders due to the aggressive nature of the protests.
