Mexico highlights teacher salary and labor improvements amid union protests

Mexico's government asserted on Monday that teachers have experienced historic improvements in their working and salary conditions over the past few years. This claim was made during the morning press conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum, with the Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, detailing the advancements under the "Fourth Transformation" political movement.

Delgado emphasized that the current educational policy revalues the teaching profession, granting educators "professional autonomy." He pointed to a substantial salary recovery, stating the average monthly salary rose from 11,952 pesos ($685) at the end of the previous administration to 17,635 pesos ($1,011) under López Obrador. President Sheinbaum has continued this trend, approving further increases of 10% for 2025 and 9% for 2026, projecting an average monthly salary of 20,351 pesos ($1,167) next year.

In addition to salary, the government highlighted reforms in pensions aimed at compensating for a 2007 retirement system overhaul. These include reducing fees charged by pension administrators (Afores) and establishing a new Pension Fund for Well-being. The new system intends to supplement workers' accumulated resources for retirement incomes close to their last salary. The progressive reduction of the minimum retirement age for teachers under the ISSSTE social security system was also noted.

These statements were made while the National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers (CNTE) continues its protests in Mexico City, blocking major roads and engaging in violent actions, including an assault on the Secretariat of Education. The Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, assured that negotiations with the CNTE remain open and authorities are willing to discuss pending demands.