National Teachers Strike on June 1 Raises Uncertainty Over School Closures in Mexico

Mexico City — A national strike called by the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) for June 1 has left parents and students uncertain about whether classes will be held, especially in states where the union has strong influence.

According to the official 2025-2026 school calendar from the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), June 1 is not listed as a holiday, teacher work stoppage, or mandatory rest day. Officially, classes should proceed normally in public and private preschools, elementary schools, and middle schools.

However, the situation may vary depending on teacher participation in the CNTE-led mobilization. The union has called on its members to join protests and suspend activities, and it maintains an active presence in several states.

Potential disruptions in key states

Although the SEP has not issued a statement announcing a general suspension of classes, there is concern in states where the CNTE has greater union strength and mobilization capacity. States that could see partial disruptions or school activity suspensions include Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Veracruz, Mexico City, Zacatecas, Hidalgo, Baja California, and Yucatán.

In some of these states, dissident unions have already begun internal assemblies to decide whether to participate fully or partially in the national strike. Attendance will also depend on decisions made by each union section and state education authorities.

Why the CNTE called the strike

The CNTE said the protest aims to pressure the federal government to address unresolved labor, salary, and social security demands. Key demands include wage improvements, the elimination of reforms the union considers harmful to teachers, and a comprehensive restructuring of the ISSSTE healthcare system.

Union leaders have denounced that ISSSTE clinics and hospitals face an operational crisis due to a shortage of specialist doctors, medicines, ambulances, and adequate care for state workers.

Parents advised to stay informed

Education authorities recommend that parents stay alert to official notices from state education departments and individual schools, as some schools may announce last-minute changes depending on teacher participation in the protest.

As of now, the SEP’s official stance is that the school calendar remains in effect and academic activities are scheduled to proceed normally on June 1.