Mexico teachers' union threatens airport, stadium protests

Mexico's National Education Workers' Coordinator (CNTE) is escalating its protests, threatening to disrupt operations at the Mexico City International Airport and the Estadio Ciudad de México next week. The dissident teachers' group considers the federal government's responses to their core demands inadequate, signaling a potential intensification of their actions.

Pedro Hernández, the general secretary of CNTE's Section 9, announced plans to target the airport and facilities linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the stadium set to host the opening ceremony. "We are going to see how much airplanes cost, we are also announcing it. We are not saying the date yet. If anyone has a flight, please be aware," Hernández stated, addressing teachers gathered at a protest outside the Mexican Stock Exchange.

The CNTE's demands center on fundamental changes to the pension system and labor conditions for educators. Specifically, they insist on the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, which they argue is detrimental to their retirement benefits. They also call for a return to a solidarity-based pension system, retirement after 28 years of service for women and 30 for men, and for pensions to be referenced against the minimum wage.

While Section 9 plans actions in the capital, Section 7 in Chiapas has urged reinforcement of the ongoing national encampment in the Historic Center. Both factions of the CNTE express dissatisfaction with the government's proposals, particularly regarding the proposed dissolution of the Unit for the System for the Career of Teachers and Professionals (Usicamm). The CNTE views Usicamm as a mere administrative unit and believes its proposed elimination by September 15 does not address the fundamental issues driving their movement.