For the second time, Section 22 of SNTE takes continuity of labor strike to a vote; teacher strike now over three weeks

The Section 22 of the SNTE teachers' union in Oaxaca has decided to hold a second vote among its members regarding the continuation of their labor strike. This decision comes after more than three weeks of the ongoing teachers' strike in the state, during which the union is also evaluating the latest proposals for resolving their demands from both the federal and state governments.

The federal government has publicly shared some responses to the demands of Oaxaca's teachers. Notably, it has proposed providing economic resources to Section 22 to address educational needs and combat learning deficits in Oaxaca. The total budget allocated for this initiative is equivalent to that for the 2025-2026 school year, though the exact amount of direct funding to the union remains unspecified. Additionally, the government committed to follow up on operational matters, victim reparations, justice, and social security cases through tripartite discussions.

Results from the Section 22's internal vote will be presented to the State Assembly, which holds the final authority on whether to end the mobilization or continue the protest that began on May 25. Official sources indicate that teachers in some Oaxacan municipalities have already returned to classes. This is attributed to pressure from local communities and authorities, as well as the necessity for teachers to conclude the school year and submit student report cards.

Meanwhile, Section 22 continues its protest actions, including blockades at the Pemex storage and distribution terminal in Santa María El Tule, occupying the San Pablo Huitzo toll booth, and obstructing access to Oaxaca's International Airport. Concurrently, the national representative assembly of the National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE) has resolved to maintain the national strike in the 10 states where it operates.