Mexico teachers' union escalates protests, demands pension law repeal

Teachers affiliated with Mexico's National Union of Education Workers (CNTE) are intensifying their protests, vowing to continue demonstrations until their demands are met. The union's National Representative Assembly reinstated its commitment to abrogating the 2007 ISSSTE Law, which governs pensions and social security for state workers.

The CNTE leadership criticized the federal government's response to their mobilizations, characterizing it as repressive and consisting of containment tactics rather than substantive dialogue. They pointed to the increasing presence of security forces and the use of barriers during recent protests as evidence of this approach. The union also denounced the involvement of civilian groups in counter-protest actions on June 11.

Central to the CNTE's demands is the complete overhaul of the current pension system. They argue that the response received on May 15 to their May 1st petition did not adequately address the pension issue, which they consider paramount. The union has reiterated its stance in negotiations with the Ministry of the Interior, the Secretariat of Public Education, and ISSSTE, refusing any agreement that does not fundamentally alter the existing pension regime.

As negotiations continue, the CNTE is urging its members nationwide to maintain unity. The union has declared that strikes and mobilizations will persist until a satisfactory resolution is reached, emphasizing that their core demand remains the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law and a fundamental reform of the pension system.