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 teachers’ rights. Comprising educators from various states, the CNTE has been a significant force in Mexican politics, often engaging in protests and strikes to voice their concerns.
Protest Intensification Following Failed Negotiations
On Thursday, members of the CNTE resumed roadblocks on Paseo de la Reforma in strategic locations across Mexico City, following unsuccessful meetings with federal authorities. The protests began at 9:00 am and added to the ongoing occupation in the Zócalo capital, causing traffic and operational disruptions at several key intersections and metro stations.
CNTE Leaders Reject Government Proposal
Prominent CNTE leaders, such as Eva Hinojosa Tera from Section XVIII in Michoacán and Pedro Hernández Morales from Section 9 in Mexico City, dismissed the government’s proposal as it failed to address their central demands.
“There have been no advancements so far,” stated Hinojosa Tera. Meanwhile, Hernández emphasized that the movement would continue on the streets and would not tolerate administrative retaliations.
CNTE Clarifies Stance on Judicial Elections
Jenny Aracely Pérez, representing Section 22 in Oaxaca, denied that the CNTE aimed to sabotage the upcoming Judicial Election on June 1st and affirmed that base members would decide the course of the strike.
Sheinbaum’s Response and Warning
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation briefly during her morning press conference, avoiding discussions on progress. Instead, she issued a warning:
“We will not fall for provocations or any form of repression, as that is exactly what they are hoping for.”
Sheinbaum stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue through the Secretary of Government, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, along with representatives from the IMSS (Zoé Robledo), ISSSTE (Martí Batres), and SEP.
Sheinbaum’s Perspective on Negotiations
According to Sheinbaum, she agreed to attend the negotiation table on two occasions. The first time, she claimed, was sabotaged by the CNTE. In the second instance, she opted not to attend due to the escalation of protests, including roadblocks at Palacio Nacional’s access points.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE)? The CNTE is a powerful teachers’ union in Mexico, advocating for educational reform and teachers’ rights. It comprises educators from various states, often engaging in protests and strikes to voice their concerns.
- Why are the CNTE members protesting? The teachers are demanding better working conditions, salary increases, and opposing educational reforms they believe threaten their profession’s integrity.
- What is the government’s stance on the protests? The Mexican government, led by Claudia Sheinbaum, has maintained dialogue through the Secretary of Government and other relevant ministries. However, they have warned against falling for provocations or engaging in repression.
- What is the impact of the protests on Mexico City? The ongoing protests have caused traffic and operational disruptions, with roadblocks on Paseo de la Reforma and the Zócalo capital occupied by demonstrators. Authorities have recommended alternative routes to minimize inconvenience.
