Mexico: CNTE launches indefinite strike in several states June 4 /update 1

Event

The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) teachers' union announced the start of an indefinite strike on Monday, June 4, in the states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Chiapas. The beginning of the strike comes as some 10,000 teachers protested proposed educational reforms in Mexico City in front of the Secretariat of the Interior on Monday. Associated disruptions to academic classes and additional protests are expected in the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are expected near protest sites.

Context

Teachers have held numerous strikes and protests in Mexico in recent years amid major reforms to the education sector implemented by the government of President Enrique Peña Nieto. Past strikes in the south of the country have lasted for weeks (even months), involving deadly protests and blockades which have led to shortages of consumer goods.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to potential violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.