The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) has confirmed a national strike scheduled to begin on June 1. The mobilization will include marches, blockades, and a “plantón” in the capital’s Zócalo, alongside the suspension of classes in several states.
Scope of the National Mobilization
The strike is expected to lead to the suspension of teaching duties across various entities, potentially affecting thousands of students in basic education levels. Union representatives indicated that marches and blockades could also be established at strategic points within these regions.
Confirmed participation comes from several union delegations, including Section 7 in Chiapas, Section 22 in Oaxaca, Section 14 in Guerrero, and Section 18 in Michoacán. The mobilization includes Sections 34 and 58 in Zacatecas, Section 9 in Mexico City, and the State of Mexico.
Key Dates and Timeline
The formal decision to begin the strike was reached during a National Representative Assembly on May 16. Following this, a tentative calendar was established to lead up to the national shutdown.
On May 30, the union plans a National Day focused on the issue of pensions. The full national strike is then slated to commence on June 1, provided the proposal is approved.
Notably, Section 22 in Oaxaca has already agreed to start an indefinite strike earlier, on May 25. Under this plan, 80% of the teachers in that section will manifest in Oaxaca, while the remaining 20% will travel to Mexico City to await other sections.
Core Demands of the Magisterium
Union leaders state that the strike is a response to labor and educational demands that have remained unresolved by the Federal Government for several years.
The primary exigencies include a salary increase of at least 100%, the cancellation of the current Educational Reform, and the revocation of the 2007 ISSSTE Law. They are also calling for changes to the USICAMM system and the general maintenance of public schools.
the CNTE is demanding an end to acts of repression against movement members and the installation of a direct negotiation table with the Federal Executive.
Impact on Mexico City
Mexico City is designated as a primary hub for the protests. The plan involves a march from the Angel of the Independencia to the Zócalo, where a “plantón” will be established.
Protest activities in the capital may also include blockades of main avenues and concentrations in front of educational and government offices. As of now, federal authorities have not reported any agreements with the Coordinadora to prevent the scheduled June 1 start date.
Possible Next Steps
If no agreement is reached with the federal government, the strike could lead to prolonged disruptions in basic education across the participating states. The situation may escalate if the proposed blockades at strategic points are implemented.
A possible next step could be a formal response from the Federal Executive regarding the demand for a direct negotiation table, which may determine whether the strike continues indefinitely or reaches a resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the national strike officially begin? The national strike is scheduled to start on June 1, following a National Representative Assembly held on May 16. Which states are expected to be most affected by class suspensions? The mobilization involves Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Zacatecas, Mexico City, and the State of Mexico. What are the main financial demands of the CNTE? The union is demanding a salary increase of at least 100% and the revocation of the 2007 ISSSTE Law.
Do you believe direct negotiation tables are the most effective way to resolve long-standing labor disputes in education?
