Oaxaca Governor Urges End to Teacher Strike: 'Clear Answers' Offered

Oaxaca Governor Calls for End to Teacher Strike, Highlights Government Response MEXICO CITY – Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara has issued a plea to teachers participating in the ongoing strike organized by the CNTE Section 22, urging them to return to their classrooms and end their protest in Mexico City. The strike, which began on May 15th, has left approximately 800,000 students without instruction. During a press conference, Jara underscored the government's efforts to address the teachers' demands. He pointed to a substantial pension reform, described as the most significant in 18 years, which aims to lower the minimum retirement age to 55 for men and 53 for women by 2034. Additionally, Jara highlighted a significant salary increase, calling it the second-largest in 40 years. "The will of the government is there, and there has not been the same stubbornness as in previous governments," Jara stated, addressing concerns about the government's responsiveness. He also questioned whether the government's financial offers, including 800 million pesos for teacher positions and the provision of school uniforms, were insufficient. The governor emphasized that the majority of the schools participating in the strike are located in Oaxaca, with a relatively small number involved in Mexico City. This situation highlights the localized nature of the conflict, despite the national attention it has received. The government's commitment to resolving the issue and getting students back in classrooms is a positive note in this ongoing situation.