Mexico's Sheinbaum rejects meeting with striking teachers

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Monday that she has no plans to meet with teachers from the National Union of Education Workers (CNTE). The union is continuing a national strike initiated on June 1, amidst the 2026 Football World Cup.

"Not for now," Sheinbaum stated during her morning press conference at the National Palace. She explained that the current plan involves tripartite meetings within the states to address regional problems. The Secretary of Education and the Secretary of the Interior can provide further information, she added.

The president's response comes as the CNTE decided to maintain its national strike, which has led to blockades and street closures across Mexico, particularly in the central areas of the capital. Sheinbaum noted that the teachers' presence has "considerably diminished" in some locations. Regarding alleged economic losses reported by local merchants, she indicated that the Secretary of the Interior would meet with them to hear their demands.

The CNTE, a significant teachers' union, is demanding the repeal of the 2007 pension reform, salary increases, and changes to various educational policies. The union claims the government's proposals do not address their core demands, including the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law, which they say Sheinbaum promised during her campaign.

Sheinbaum asserted that the Mexican government has already presented its proposals to the CNTE, and a permanent technical working group was established during their last meeting. The CNTE, however, plans to escalate actions, starting with major access points to Mexico City and expanding to over 20 states.