“We are not asking for privileges,” CNTE says after leaving Mexico City camp: “The struggle continues”

Mexico’s National Coordinating Committee of Education Workers, known as CNTE, has left its national encampment in Mexico City, but says the protest movement will continue. “We are leaving, we are leaving, but we will return soon,” said Isael González Vázquez, secretary general of the union’s Section 7 in Chiapas.

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We are leaving, we are leaving, but we will return soon.

González acknowledged that the teachers did not achieve their main demands: the repeal of the ISSSTE law and the education reform. “It must be stated clearly: the repeal of the two reforms was not achieved. The goal was to repeal them, but we need to strengthen our position,” he told teachers who took part in the encampment.

He accused the federal government of failing to present a route toward repealing the reforms. “It is regrettable that a government that calls itself left-wing has chosen to support business owners and not education workers. All we are asking for is a dignified retirement and labor justice; we are not asking for privileges,” González said.

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It must be stated clearly: the repeal of the two reforms was not achieved. The goal was to repeal them, but we need to strengthen our position.

The Section 7 leader also rejected claims that the teachers’ movement was linked to political parties. He described the organization as a genuine, independent movement and said the CNTE maintained its political autonomy. He praised the thousands of teachers who left their families to travel to the capital and sustain the encampment and protests for weeks.

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All we are asking for is a dignified retirement and labor justice; we are not asking for privileges.

González further alleged that authorities intimidated protesters during some demonstrations in Mexico City. He said CNTE groups were followed by police officers and security vehicles, including helicopters and motorcycles. “The repressive role of the state was exposed. Helicopters, motorcycles and police were behind our colleagues. Even so, we acted responsibly and avoided any confrontation,” he said. He added that follow-up talks with federal and state authorities were continuing on promotion procedures and job transfers in Chiapas.

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The repressive role of the state was exposed. Helicopters, motorcycles and police were behind our colleagues. Even so, we acted responsibly and avoided any confrontation.