Teachers across Mexico have taken to the streets, pouring their frustration onto the pavements as they protest against proposed reforms to the ISSSTE Law, which they argue threaten their rights and financial security. The unrest reached its peak when approximately 60 members of the Sindicato Independiente de Trabajadores de la Educación de México (SITEM) demonstrated outside the Executive State Office building in Guerrero, demanding recognition and representation during the turmoil provoked by these changes.
The proposed reforms include significant increases to health insurance contributions, leading to widespread discontent among educators from various states including Quintana Roo, Guerrero, and Sonora, where protests are intensifying with every passing day. More than 25 teachers took over the offices of the Education Secretary of Veracruz (SEV), highlighting their opposition on February 25, 2025.
On social media, discontent grew as many educators criticized the leadership of the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (SNTE), particularly pointing fingers at its general secretary Arimael Salas Alcocer. Critics accused him of prioritizing political interests over the needs of the teachers, expressing their dismay, “He committed to five million teachers affiliated with the winning party, which means he obeys the party before his members.” The clash of priorities deepens the rift between teachers and union leadership, leaving many feeling abandoned.
The Secretary of Education for Quintana Roo sought to quell the unrest by announcing an analysis and discussion forum aimed at reaching teachers on March 1. Despite this effort, the “Marcha Pacífica” planned for February 26 remains scheduled. Organizers are adamant, stating, “If we do not receive immediate and favorable responses, we anticipate another demonstration on February 28.” They assert the reforms not only impact basic education workers but also extend to administrative staff and higher education personnel, advocating for collective action among all affected parties.
Meanwhile, protests have ripped through multiple states, as teachers unite against reforms they perceive as unjust. For example, demonstrations erupted among over 100 teachers from the Sonora section of SNTE, who demanded intervention from Governor Alfonso Durazo, as they initiated labor stoppages last week. They voice concerns over their right to dignified retirement, warning of severe repercussions if their pensions are manipulated.
Additional protests and mobilizations were witnessed across the country, from Baja California to Yucatán. The CNTE joined the fight, calling on over 80,000 members to mobilize against the proposed changes. Protests featured slogans such as, "Se va a caer, esta reforma se va a caer," emphasizing their commitment to resist and dismantle the reforms before they can take effect.
The potential effects of the reform are particularly alarming for many teachers as the government suggests raising mandatory contributions by 2.7% for all individuals earning above certain thresholds. Critics argue this places their livelihoods at risk. Unsurprisingly, leaders from various states have decried these reforms, dubbing them as assaults on their labor rights, stating they oppose increasing pension eligibility age to 60 and other detrimental financial strains placed on educators.
Yet, the reforms are not solely a union matter. The broader educational community has expressed concerns, too. Voices from the CNTE resonate with the sentiment, urging unity among teachers and other state workers to defend labor rights against systemic changes perceived as leaning toward neoliberalism.
Despite reiterations from governmental officials reassuring educators there would be no deductions for union members covered under Article 123 of the Constitution, many remain skeptical. During the protest, the President of the Senate Commission of Social Security emphasized, "No habrá ningún descuento para trabajadores de la educación de base de ningún sindicato adscrito al apartado B del artículo 123 de la Constitución." This statement was aimed at calming fears, but skepticism persists as teachers feel disconnected from decision-makers.
With planned protests scheduled to roll across various cities on February 28, teachers have engrossed themselves fully, demanding the government recognize its promises laid out under previous administrations. They aim for the quick abrogation of the so-called neoliberal reforms and have engaged community members, parents, and allies to support their cause.
The mobilisation of teachers has just begun, and organizers are not backing down. This struggle for dignity resonates across jurisdictions, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative revisions reflecting the voices and experiences of those most impacted. The upcoming demonstrations will serve as pivotal moments to gauge the momentum of this burgeoning movement.
Teachers call for complete solidarity, drawing everyone who identifies as unfairly affected by governmental policies, with the ambition of ensuring their collective voice reverberates loud enough to incite real change. The fate of many teachers' futures may very well hinge on the success of these protest actions.