Teachers March in Cancun Demanding Repeal of ISSSTE Law and Better Working Conditions

Cancun, Quintana Roo — About 50 teachers marched through Cancun on Monday as part of a national protest called by the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), demanding the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE law and the education reform.

The teachers, members of the Benito Juárez Struggle Committee, began their march at the Monumento al Maestro on Chichén Itzá Avenue, then proceeded along Tulum Avenue toward the El Ceviche roundabout, chanting slogans and carrying banners.

Protesters said the ISSSTE law has harmed retirement and pension conditions for thousands of public sector workers. They also called for a reform guaranteeing fair wages and better benefits for teachers, as well as increased funding for education in Quintana Roo to improve school infrastructure and teaching conditions.

Despite the protest, organizers said classes continued normally and there was no widespread suspension of academic activities at this stage.

The CNTE representative in Quintana Roo, Aurora Moguel, said the organization agreed on May 25 in a meeting in Mexico City to join an indefinite national strike and simultaneous protests in various states. She added that the federal government has committed to respecting the right to protest, so no reprisals against participants are expected.