Background on the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE)
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a prominent educational workers’ union in Mexico, representing teachers from various states. The CNTE has been a significant force in advocating for educational reform and teachers’ rights since its establishment in 1983. The union has frequently engaged in protests and strikes to voice their concerns, often clashing with the Mexican government over educational policies.
Current Demands and Grievances
On Thursday, the CNTE initiated a 48-hour national strike to demand that the federal government fulfill their requests. The primary concerns include:
- Abrogation of the 2007 ISSSTE Law: The CNTE seeks the repeal of the Ley del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) from 2007, arguing that the government’s stance of economic repercussions is false.
- Reversal of Educational Reform: The CNTE demands the annulment of educational reforms from the previous six-year administration, claiming that the government intends to modify the law via decree without removing the reform’s legacy.
- Reinstatement of National Negotiation Table: The union calls for the reestablishment of a national negotiation table with the President to address their concerns resolutely.
Heriberto Filiberto Frausto, representing the Zacatecas section 34 of CNTE, highlighted that since June 7, teachers have been pleading with the Mexican government to respect their labor and union rights. However, the government’s response has been unyielding, citing potential economic repercussions.
Proposed Actions and Potential Impact
To ensure their voices are heard, the CNTE announced central actions in Mexico City, such as surrounding Palacio Nacional and occupying the Congress of the Union. These actions would also be replicated in states where the CNTE has a presence, distancing themselves from any right-wing opportunistic actions.
Elvira Veleces, the secretary-general of the Guerrero section 14, warned that if the government fails to respond, the strikes could escalate into a 71-hour stoppage and potentially lead to a nationwide strike, including possible disruptions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The protests have spread across approximately 20 states, including Oaxaca, Chiapas, Michoacán, and Zacatecas. Demonstrators have taken over toll booths and executed roadblocks, intensifying pressure on the government to address their demands.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CNTE demanding? The CNTE is demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, the annulment of educational reforms from previous administrations, and the reinstatement of a national negotiation table with the President.
- Why is the CNTE threatening a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? The CNTE is using this threat as leverage to pressure the government into addressing their demands, which include educational reform and changes to the ISSSTE Law.
- What actions has the CNTE taken so far? The CNTE initiated a 48-hour national strike, protested in Mexico City and other states, took over toll booths, and executed roadblocks.
- What could be the potential consequences if the government does not meet the CNTE’s demands? The CNTE has warned that their protests could escalate into a 71-hour stoppage, a nationwide strike, and possible disruptions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
