Thousands of Teachers Mobilized Against the Issste Reform

Thousands of teachers in various regions of Mexico have protested against the reform to the ISSSTE Law. This reform, promoted by the government of Claudia Sheinbaum, seeks to modify the pension and social security system for public sector workers. However, the teachers reject it, as they believe it will negatively affect their labor rights.

Various unions and groups of teachers have organized the protests. Marches have been held in major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Oaxaca, among others. The protesters accuse the government of not having conducted an adequate consultation with the workers before promoting the reform.

In addition to the mobilizations, the teachers have resorted to roadblocks, taking over government offices, and work stoppages in schools at all levels. These actions have had a considerable impact, leaving thousands of students without classes. The situation has caused divided opinions among parents; some express their support for the teachers, while others demand that the school year be normalized.

What does the ISSSTE reform propose?

The government argues that the reform is necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of the ISSSTE and improve the health and pension services it offers to workers. Among the main changes proposed are the following:

• Increase in labor contributions from active workers.
• Modification in the retirement age and the way pensions are calculated.
• Restructuring of the medical services provided by the ISSSTE.
• New financing conditions for retirement, which would have a particular impact on workers with fewer years of contributions.

Nevertheless, the teachers argue that this reform harms them, as they are required to contribute more without this translating into an improvement in their benefits. They also demand the repeal of the 2007 reform, which they claim had negative consequences for their labor rights and reduced the amount of their pensions.

Protests and blockades in the country

The teachers' movement has been gaining strength across the country. Roadblocks, protests in front of the Congress of the Union, and stoppages in various schools have been reported. In Mexico City, a massive march took place that started from the Zócalo and reached the Chamber of Deputies. At this location, the protesters demanded that the reform be halted and that a genuine dialogue with the workers be established.

Some of the protests have resulted in clashes with the police, especially in states like Oaxaca and Guerrero. In these places, the teachers attempted to access government buildings to demand an immediate response to their demands. The clashes with security forces have resulted in at least 15 people being detained and several injured.

Government response

Martí Batres, Secretary of the Interior, has defended the reform. He argues that this measure will strengthen the pension system and allow for an improved quality of life for workers once they retire. He has also stated that the government maintains an open stance for dialogue with the teachers, but he has been emphatic that there will be no rollback of the 2007 reform, as the protesters request.

Meanwhile, President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared that her administration is committed to improving labor rights. She assured that solutions will be sought that do not harm workers in the education sector.

What's next in the teachers' struggle?

Teachers' leaders have announced that if they do not receive a response to their demands from the government, they will call for a 48-hour national strike. They warn that this strike could be prolonged indefinitely. They also assure that the protests and blockades will continue until their demands are met.