On March 20, 2025, teachers from the Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) organized a massive protest in Mexico City, resulting in significant disruptions and road blockades, particularly near the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM). This demonstration was part of a planned 72-hour strike aimed at addressing crucial demands related to educational reforms and labor conditions.
The CNTE, representing approximately 7,000 teachers, aimed to assert the importance of its grievances regarding the educational system and labor laws which they believe do not adequately support educators or students. As protests commenced early in the morning, access to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the AICM was blocked, causing immense headaches for travelers and commuters alike, as well as prompting the AICM to advise passengers to arrive at the airport much earlier than usual to avoid missing their flights.
By 8:00 AM, members of the CNTE had blocked major access roads, with police from the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) positioned to manage the situation. During the height of the protests, the CNTE also took control of toll booths along the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway, allowing free passage for vehicle drivers, promoting what they referred to as 'popular toll booths' as part of their strategy to draw public attention to their cause.
As they carried banners and shouted slogans, teachers marched towards critical intersections, such as the intersections of Circuito Interior and Eje 1 Norte, further exacerbating the traffic situation throughout the city. By 11:30 AM, at the toll booth near the highway, they facilitated free movement for motorists, and were on the move toward various key locations across the city, drawing both support and frustration from onlookers.
The AICM continued to communicate with passengers throughout the day, sharing alternative routes to both terminals in light of road blockages. Travelers were cautioned about the potential for continued delays due to the visible presence of the CNTE and ongoing protests impacting the area. Following the government’s reports, estimates indicated that as many as 14,000 participants joined the march, with thousands more lingering at significant hubs in the city.
A spokesperson for the CNTE expressed, "The CNTE is making our voices heard, demanding respect for teachers and proper resources for our education system," encapsulating the union's commitment to advocating for their rights. Their major demands include the abrogation of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, the immediate withdrawal of the proposed 2025 ISSSTE pension law reform, and a restoration of a solidary and collective pension system devoid of individual contributions (UMAs).
Another principal point of contention for the CNTE involves salary negotiations, where they are calling for a 100% increase in the base salary of teachers and bewitchingly associated with educational reforms they label inequitable and detrimental to the teaching profession.
As protests continued throughout the day, traffic reports indicated significant chaos particularly along Avenida Insurgentes and several other major arteries of the city. The combined efforts of educators and union members from various sections of the CNTE resulted in multiple closures around the downtown region, including pivotal points leading to the Zócalo, where continuing protests were aimed at amplifying their demands.
By 2:00 PM, after almost six hours of blockades, members of the CNTE lifted restrictions at the AICM but continued to press forward with their march towards Viaducto, where they intended to regroup with other demonstrators near the Zócalo.
The SSC has maintained visibility throughout the protests, deploying resources to manage crowds effectively while attempting to mitigate the disruptions caused by the mass gatherings. Additionally, they ensured the restoration of service on Metro lines halted due to the protests, emphasizing the overarching desire to manage public transportation and safety amid significant unrest.
While the AICM saw some respite as blockades were partially lifted, ongoing dialogues indicate that the protest is likely to extend, with teachers clearly prepared to push their message in pursuit of a more favorable educational framework. The course of these movements reflects larger tensions within the Mexican labor system, particularly concerning education, as frustration with existing reforms continues to surface.
The CNTE's actions on March 20 reflect the passionate advocacy of educators across Mexico, galvanizing public opinion while sharing their struggles for rights and reforms, paving the way for further actions in the coming days to ensure their voices are heard in the halls of power.
