Background on the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE)
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a powerful teachers’ union in Mexico, known for its strong advocacy for educational reform and workers’ rights. Comprising teachers from various states, the CNTE has been a significant force in Mexican education politics for decades.
Who is Carlos Aguilar?
Carlos Aguilar is the representative of CNTE’s Sección 10, one of the union’s sections based in Mexico City. His role involves negotiating on behalf of teachers and advocating for their demands.
Who is Pedro Hernández?
Pedro Hernández is the secretary general of CNTE’s Sección 9, another influential section in Mexico City. He is actively involved in organizing protests and negotiations with educational authorities.
CNTE’s Demands and the Impact on the 2025-2026 School Year
The CNTE has announced three primary demands, which have created uncertainty regarding the start of the 2025-2026 school year:
- Abrogation of the ISSSTE Ley de 2007: The CNTE seeks to repeal the 2007 ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado) law, arguing that it negatively impacts teachers’ pensions and benefits.
- Cancellation of the 2013 Educational Reform: The CNTE opposes the 2013 educational reform, claiming it undermines teachers’ professional development and autonomy. They demand its complete reversal.
- 100% Salary Increase for Teachers: The CNTE is pushing for a significant salary increase to address the low wages that have long plagued Mexican educators.
Planned Mass Protest in Mexico City
On July 17th, the CNTE announced a “great mobilization” in Mexico City to pressure the federal government into addressing their demands. The protest will commence at 9:00 AM, led by Secciones 9, 10, 11, and 60.
Carlos Aguilar explained that the demonstration will take place on Xocono Street, near the administrative offices of the Dirección General de Administración. The protesters will then march to Palacio Nacional, where they will present a petition to President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“We anticipate a very broad mobilization,” said Pedro Hernández, secretary general of Sección 9.
Uncertainty Over the Start of the 2025-2026 School Year
The CNTE’s ongoing protests have cast doubt over the commencement of the 2025-2026 school year. Although they assured that the school year will proceed, its start depends on the federal government’s response to their demands.
“The school year will happen, provided there is a response to our demands,” Carlos Aguilar, leader of Sección 9, confirmed. “We paused the strike to return and formally close the school year on the next upcoming Wednesday.”
Next Steps for CNTE
On July 18th, the CNTE will convene in Oaxaca with other sections across the country to strategize for their next phase of struggle.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CNTE demanding? The CNTE is pushing for the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, cancellation of the 2013 educational reform, and a 100% salary increase for teachers.
- How will this impact the 2025-2026 school year?
- What is the planned protest about? The CNTE is organizing a mass demonstration in Mexico City on July 17th to urge the federal government to address their demands.
- Where and when will the protest take place? The protest will start at 9:00 AM on July 17th on Xocono Street, near the administrative offices of the Dirección General de Administración. Protesters will then march to Palacio Nacional.
The uncertainty surrounding the government’s response to these demands has led to concerns about the timely start of the 2025-2026 school year.
