May 1st: The Prelude to Thousands of Mexican Teachers Protesting at the World Cup

As Mexico prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, a shadow looms over the festivities, cast by the legitimate grievances of its educators. Here at ABC Color, we believe it is crucial to highlight the voices of the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE), whose planned protest during the World Cup inauguration is not an act of disruption, but a desperate plea for attention to critical issues. This is not merely about labor disputes; it's about the fundamental rights and dignity of the people who shape the nation's future.

“

This 'Jornada de Lucha' has the objective of finding that political juncture and pressuring, because we want a response to our demands.

The CNTE's decision to align their 'Jornada de Lucha' (Day of Struggle) with the World Cup's opening is a strategic move to ensure their demands are heard amidst the global spotlight. They seek a dignified retirement, a substantial salary increase, and a robust public pension system – essential components of a just society that seem to be overlooked by a government that prioritizes international spectacle. The contrast between the government's investment in a global event and its alleged lack of resources for its own workforce is a narrative that cannot be ignored.

“

The government says there are no resources for the working class, but it holds a world event where it wants to pretend that everything is fine in Mexico.

While the government may view this protest as an inconvenience, we see it as a reflection of deep-seated dissatisfaction. The CNTE's leaders, like Pedro Ruiz and Carolina Cortez, articulate a clear message: the current pension laws, particularly the abrogated ISSSTE law of 2007, are detrimental to workers. Their call for a 100% increase in base salary and the repeal of the 2019 educational reform are not radical demands, but reasonable expectations for a nation that claims to value its working class. This protest is a stark reminder that the 'party' of the World Cup cannot mask the underlying struggles of ordinary Mexicans, a perspective often lost in international coverage that focuses solely on the sporting event.

“

We are demanding a pension system and a dignified retirement, different from what was proposed in 2007, which affects not only us as members of a National Coordinator but also all affiliates.