Ruptly
"Thousands of teachers marched through Mexico City on Friday, demanding better working conditions, higher pay and stronger protection for labour and pension rights. Footage shows members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) waving flags and banners as they marched through the capital, chanting slogans against job insecurity and what they describe as punitive evaluations. One of the protesters' main demands was the repeal of the 2007 law governing the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), which weakens pension rights and reduces retirement income. CNTE sections also called for salary increases, more teaching posts and safer workplaces, as well as a broader education policy focused on quality and inclusion. Citlali de Jesus Ortiz, a teacher from CNTE Section XXII, said teachers play a role far beyond the classroom. "We are part of these communities. Education workers do not just go to school to teach children how to add, subtract, read and write. We are also a fundamental pillar in passing on values to our students," she said. Mauricio, a primary school teacher, said teachers had long been the target of media attacks linked to the interests of those managing their retirement funds. "We are under attack because 12 millionaires in Mexico control the Afores (Retirement Fund Administrators). They manage more than 7 trillion pesos ($1 trillion). That is why we want to return to the 10th transitory provision," he said. "Teachers teach people to fight. We are reflecting on that here in the streets, as we speak with the children," he added. At a rally following the march, organisers called on federal and local authorities to hold wider talks, halt layoffs in the education sector and boost funding for public schools. The protest went ahead with a heavy police presence along parts of the route. No major incidents were reported."
Go to News Site