Background on CNTE and its Relevance
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores por la Educación (CNTE) is a prominent Mexican teachers’ union known for its strong advocacy for educational reform and labor improvements. The union represents teachers from various states, primarily in southern Mexico, and has been a significant force in Mexican politics since the 1970s.
CNTE’s recent protests have brought attention to their demands for better working conditions, including salary increases and the repeal of a 2007 pension reform that altered the management of retirement funds. Their actions have had substantial impacts on transportation and daily life in Mexico City, as they often target key infrastructure and public services.
CNTE Protests at AICM
On this particular Friday, hundreds of CNTE members marched around the two terminals and major vehicle entrances of the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM), causing significant traffic disruptions in the capital.
The protesters’ actions affected access to the Palacio Nacional in the Historic Center on Wednesday, preventing journalists and government officials from attending Claudia Sheinbaum’s usual morning press conference. As a result, the Mexico City mayor had to conduct the meeting via videoconference while facing aggression from teachers who blocked journalists’ access.
Impact on Government Meetings
Due to the aggressive nature of the protests, Claudia Sheinbaum canceled a planned meeting with CNTE leaders on Friday and delegated it to her Secretaries of Education and Gobernación (Segob).
“There are things that aren’t right. The dialogue remains open at the highest level… but under these conditions, I don’t see the point in meeting with me,” Sheinbaum stated during her morning press conference.
CNTE Demands and Actions
Besides salary increases, CNTE is pushing for the repeal of a 2007 pension reform that changed how retirement funds are managed. This demand stems from concerns about the sustainability and fairness of the current pension system.
On Tuesday, protesters took control of toll booths on major highways connecting Mexico City to other states, removing barriers and allowing free vehicle passage.
Airport Operations Continue
Despite the protests, the AICM confirmed via social media that access to both terminals had been cleared and operations remained “active and ongoing.”
“Thanks to coordinated work with federal authorities, there has been no impact on scheduled flights,” the AICM stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is CNTE? The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores por la Educación (CNTE) is a Mexican teachers’ union advocating for educational reform and labor improvements.
- What are CNTE’s demands? CNTE is pushing for salary increases and the repeal of a 2007 pension reform that altered retirement fund management.
- How have CNTE protests affected Mexico City? The protests have caused significant traffic disruptions, blocked access to public buildings like the Palacio Nacional, and impacted government meetings.
- What is the current status of AICM operations? Despite the protests, AICM operations continue with both terminals accessible and flights unaffected.
