Quintana Roo Teachers Strike Indefinitely From May 15

Quintana Roo, Mexico — Less than a week after resuming classes following a nearly two-month strike, teachers from the Central Struggle Committee (CCL) in Quintana Roo have confirmed they will suspend activities once again, this time indefinitely, as part of a nationwide strike called by the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) starting May 15.

Although classes resumed on April 28, the holidays on May 1 and May 5 prevented a full return to normalcy. In practice, classroom time has been minimal since February, when protests began.

Why Are Teachers Striking Again?

The teachers' movement demands the repeal of the 2007 reforms to the ISSSTE Law, which they argue eliminated the solidarity-based pension system and restricted the possibility of dignified retirements for education workers.

“This is a fight for labor, social, and human rights. Without fair conditions for teachers, there can be no quality public education,” said Xavier Eslava Méndez, spokesperson for the CCL.

Their demands also include:

• Fair wages and permanent contracts.
• Improved working conditions.
• Greater investment in educational infrastructure.
• Respect for acquired rights.

Educational Impact: Over 418,000 Students Affected

During the nearly two-month initial strike, more than 418,000 students in Quintana Roo were impacted, including:

• 341,679 in basic education.
• 77,223 in upper secondary education.

Approximately 22,000 teachers actively participated in blockades, sit-ins, and takeovers of government offices. Despite the brief return to classes, the academic backlog remains unresolved and will worsen with the new strike.

No Agreements Reached with State Government

On April 12, CCL representatives met with state authorities, including Government Secretary Cristina Torres Gómez and Education Secretary (SEQ) Elda María Xix Euán, but no agreements were reached.

After Holy Week, SEQ offices were vacated on April 25, and classes resumed three days later. However, with the new strike announcement, the school year—scheduled to end on July 16—is once again at risk.

Next Steps for Schools in Quintana Roo

Municipal assemblies are currently being held to coordinate the strike across different regions of the state. The CCL has called on parents and civil society to show understanding, arguing that the movement seeks lasting improvements for both teachers and students.