Background on the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE)
The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) is a prominent Mexican teacher’s union representing educators from various states. The CNTE has been actively involved in advocating for teachers’ rights and addressing educational reforms. The union has garnered attention due to its significant influence in shaping Mexico’s education policies.
Current Situation and Demands
Since late May 2013, the CNTE has been protesting against two main issues: the abrogation of the Ley del ISSSTE 2007 and the reform educativa (educational reform). These demands stem from concerns over job security, working conditions, and the quality of education for Mexican students.
Ley del ISSSTE 2007
The Ley del ISSSTE 2007 pertains to the Institute for Social Security and Services of State Workers (ISSSTE), which provides social security benefits to government employees. The CNTE opposes this law due to fears that it may negatively impact teachers’ pensions and benefits.
Reforma Educativa
The reforma educativa, or educational reform, aims to improve the quality of education in Mexico by introducing new evaluation methods for teachers and increasing autonomy for schools. However, the CNTE argues that these changes threaten job security and undermine teachers’ professional development.
Government’s Response and Invitation
In response to the ongoing protests, the Mexican Secretaría de Gobernación (Segob) and the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP) have extended an invitation to the CNTE for further dialogue. The government aims to present a “new proposal” addressing the teachers’ demands.
Segob and SEP issued a joint statement on May 27, inviting the Comisión Nacional Única Negociadora (CNUN) of the CNTE to resume negotiations on May 28 at 11:00 AM in the Complejo Bucareli, the headquarters of the Mexican government’s interior ministry.
Government’s Commitment to Dialogue
The government emphasized its commitment to maintaining “openness to dialogue and the construction of agreements” with the teachers. This commitment comes as a response to the CNTE’s ongoing protests, which include a protest camp in Mexico City’s Zócalo and various roadblocks and demonstrations across the capital and other states.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the main parties involved? The Mexican government, represented by the Secretaría de Gobernación (Segob) and the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), and the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE), a prominent teachers’ union.
- What are the main demands of the CNTE? The CNTE is protesting against the Ley del ISSSTE 2007 and the reforma educativa, citing concerns over job security, working conditions, and education quality.
- What is the government’s response? The Mexican government has invited the CNTE for further dialogue and pledged to present a “new proposal” addressing teachers’ demands.
- When and where will the negotiations resume? The negotiations are set to resume on May 28 at 11:00 AM in the Complejo Bucareli, the headquarters of Mexico’s interior ministry.
