Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. As a prominent politician and former environmental activist, she has been instrumental in shaping the city’s policies on education, labor, and social welfare. Her recent statements address a significant issue involving teachers’ demands for better working conditions.
The Teachers’ Protest and Blockade
Members of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) blocked access to the National Palace, preventing Sheinbaum from attending her daily press conference. The teachers demanded labor improvements and the abrogation of the Unit for the Career Development of Female and Male Teachers (Usicamm).
Sheinbaum’s Response and Commitment to Dialogue
During her morning press conference, Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that her administration maintains an ongoing dialogue with the teaching profession and will not respond to protests with repression.
Nosotros no vamos a caer en ninguna provocación. No vamos a reprimir porque no creemos en eso. Creemos en el diálogo y vamos a encontrar una salida.
— Claudia Sheinbaum (@ClaudiaSheinba) May 20, 2022
Government Actions and Negotiations
Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted recent government actions in support of the education sector, including a 10% salary increase (9% immediate and an additional 1% in September) and the implementation of a Pension Fund for Welfare to ensure teachers with individual accounts receive pensions equivalent to the average IMSS salary.
Addressing Teachers’ Demands
Regarding the demands to abolish Usicamm, Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged that “many teachers do not agree” with this legacy system from the previous administration. She proposed a national dialogue with base teachers to construct a new promotion mechanism, emphasizing that it should involve all teachers in Mexico to determine their preferred promotion process.
Local Demands and Collaboration with States
Sheinbaum Pardo also mentioned that the government is working with states to address local demands, such as opening teaching positions in Baja California Sur. She reiterated that solutions are subject to available budget constraints.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue at hand? Teachers from CNTE are demanding labor improvements and the abrogation of Usicamm.
- How has Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the protest? Sheinbaum has committed to maintaining dialogue with teachers and not responding with repression.
- What actions has the government taken to support education? The government has announced a 10% salary increase and implemented the Pension Fund for Welfare.
- How are local demands being addressed? The government is collaborating with states to address issues like opening teaching positions in Baja California Sur.
- What is the proposed solution for Usicamm? Sheinbaum Pardo suggests a national dialogue with base teachers to construct a new promotion mechanism.
