Mexican teachers protest retirement law
Mexicans took to the streets in the capital to commemorate Teachers' Day with a protest against a controversial law that teachers claim negatively impacts their working conditions. Hundreds of educators from across the country gathered on Reforma Avenue, marching towards the Presidential Palace in Zocalo Square. The demonstration was organized by the public education workers’ union, CNTE, which is advocating for the repeal of a 2007 law that raised the retirement age for teachers, from 58 to 65 for men and from 28 to 65 for women with sufficient service years.
The protest also targeted a 2019 education reform approved by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's administration. In response to the demonstrations, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a 9% pay raise for teachers effective January 2025, along with an additional 1% increase starting in September and an extra week of vacation. However, many educators remain dissatisfied, as primary education teachers currently earn an average monthly salary of 7,890 pesos (approximately 404 USD) while working an average of 21.9 hours per week.
The protests, which extended to various states including Quintana Roo and Chihuahua, were primarily organized by CNTE and supported by factions of the National Union of Education Workers (SNTE). Central grievances include the proposed ISSSTE 2025 reform, which seeks to raise the retirement age to 60, undermining previous agreements that allowed retirement after 28 years of service for women and 30 for men, regardless of age. Teachers are also calling for the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, the elimination of the UMA system for pension calculations, and a 100% salary increase to combat inflation.
