CNTE Strike Turns Violent: Vandalism and a Potential Breakthrough in Mexico

CNTE Teachers' Strike Turns Violent: Vandalism Rocks Mexico City Mexico City – Tensions escalated in Mexico City on June 6th, 2025, as a faction of the CNTE (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) teachers’ union engaged in violent acts against the SNTE (Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) offices. This incident occurred amidst a 22-day strike by CNTE teachers protesting for improved working conditions and pension reforms. The video footage shows a large group of protestors marching and vandalizing the SNTE building. They broke doors, set fire to furniture and even burned a picture of Senator Alfonso Cepeda, the SNTE leader. The violence was condemned by both the government and the SNTE itself. The SNTE released a statement on Twitter stating, "We repudiate the attack against the union headquarters perpetrated by the CNTE." The Secretary of Public Education echoed this sentiment, calling for a peaceful resolution. Despite the violence, there are signs of a potential breakthrough. The government offered 800 million pesos to the protesting teachers in Oaxaca. Following a vote, many teachers agreed to end their strike, raising hopes for a return to classrooms next Monday. However, the continuing unrest and violence highlight the deep divisions within the teaching community and the challenges facing Mexico's education system.