Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. As a prominent political figure in Mexico, she has been instrumental in various policy decisions affecting the nation’s capital and beyond. Her recent statements regarding teacher discounts for participants in the CNTE strike have significant implications for over a million students affected by the ongoing protests.
CNTE Strike Impact on Education
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) initiated a nationwide strike on May 15, causing the closure of thousands of schools across multiple states. This ongoing protest has left more than 1.2 million basic education students without classes, according to official data from the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP).
- As of Monday, the SEP reported that 9% of school facilities did not offer classes due to protests.
- Oaxaca, one of the most affected states, has around 800,000 students without classes.
- The remaining 400,000 students are spread across other states.
Contrasting Figures: SEP vs. Inegi
The SEP reported that 92.1% of basic education students attended classes normally last week, accounting for over 19 million students in more than 182,000 public schools. However, these figures contrast with those from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (Inegi) and the SEP itself, which estimate a national student population of over 23 million. This discrepancy leaves nearly three million students unaccounted for in the official tally.
Focus of CNTE Protest: ISSSTE Reform and Salary Demands
The CNTE’s ongoing protest stems from demands such as the abrogation of the 2007 ISSSTE Ley, a 100% salary increase, and the reinstatement of dismissed workers. The strike also includes a permanent encampment in Mexico City’s Zócalo, where teachers from various states gather.
Sheinbaum’s Statements on Teacher Discounts
During her morning press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum addressed the potential salary deductions for teachers participating in the CNTE strike. She clarified that this decision would be made on a state-by-state basis.
Sheinbaum reiterates that there will be no reprisals against striking teachers but stresses that Mexico is a free country where citizens have the right to protest. However, this does not exempt them from labor responsibilities, such as salary deductions for absences.
Tweet
Sheinbaum emphasized that while there would be no repression against striking teachers, Mexico is a free country where citizens have the right to protest. Nevertheless, this does not exempt them from labor responsibilities, such as salary deductions for absences.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Will there be repression against striking teachers? A: No, Sheinbaum clarified that there will be no repression against striking teachers.
- Q: How will salary deductions for absent teachers be handled? A: The decision on potential salary deductions will be made on a state-by-state basis.
- Q: How many students are affected by the CNTE strike? A: More than 1.2 million basic education students are affected by the ongoing protests.
- Q: What are the main demands of the CNTE strike? A: The CNTE is demanding the abrogation of the 2007 ISSSTE Ley, a 100% salary increase, reinstatement of dismissed workers, and more.
