Introduction to Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Recent Decrees
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, recently announced two educational decrees. One concerns the abolition of the Unidad del Sistema para la Carrera de las Maestras y los Maestros (Usicamm), and the other involves reducing the retirement age for teachers. These changes aim to alleviate restrictions and dissatisfaction within the educational system.
Details of the Usicamm Abolition
Sheinbaum stated her commitment to these changes since May 15th, acknowledging that the current system imposes numerous restrictions and causes frustration among educators. The decision stems from a national consultation held on May 30th during a Consejo Técnico Escolar session, involving over 127,000 schools, including 30,000 multigrado institutions.
- The consultation’s preliminary results indicate that the majority of teachers believe seniority and years of service should be the primary factors for career advancement.
- Despite this, Sheinbaum emphasized that the Usicamm replacement proposal will originate from school communities through on-site assemblies, ensuring no issues arise from disregarding teachers’ opinions.
Reduction of Teacher Retirement Age
Sheinbaum also announced a progressive reduction in the minimum retirement age for state employees under the ISSSTE regime. This reform reverses a 2007 modification during Felipe Calderón’s presidency, which gradually increased the retirement age.
Under the new measure, women can retire at 53 and men at 55 by 2034, compared to the previous requirements of 58 and 60 years, respectively. This change will incur a fiscal cost exceeding 36,000 million pesos. However, according to the official, it is a labor justice act recognizing years of service without imposing additional requirements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Usicamm? The Unidad del Sistema para la Carrera de las Maestras y los Maestros (Usicamm) is a component of the Mexican educational system that regulates career advancement for teachers.
- Why was Usicamm abolished? Usicamm was deemed restrictive and caused dissatisfaction among educators. The abolition aims to create a more flexible career advancement system based on seniority and years of service.
- What is the new retirement age for teachers? The new retirement age for female teachers is 53, and for male teachers, it’s 55, effective by 2034.
- What are the fiscal implications of reducing the retirement age? The reduction in retirement age will result in a fiscal cost exceeding 36,000 million pesos.
