Mexico City Schools Shut Down as Teachers' Strike Intensifies

Mexico City Teachers' Strike: CNTE Demands and Government Response Mexico City is facing major disruptions due to a prolonged strike by the CNTE, a national teachers' union. The CNTE is demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, which they claim has harmed their pension system. They also want a 100% salary increase and a reversal of the 2019 education reform. The government has offered a 9% salary increase, but negotiations have stalled. "We have worked in the most remote corners of the country," stated Israel González Vázquez, a CNTE representative from Chiapas, "and now we demand a dignified retirement." The protests have involved marches, roadblocks, and the temporary closure of financial institutions. These actions have resulted in over 1.2 million students missing classes across nearly 20,000 public schools. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the 9% salary increase represents a significant effort and that the government will not incur debt to meet further demands. The situation remains tense, with ongoing negotiations between the CNTE and the government.