Mexico: Teacher strikes and protests continue /update 2

Event

An indefinite strike as well as protests organized by the powerful CNTE teacher union (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) continue. The strike was launched on June 4 in the states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Chiapas, and associated protests have been ongoing in the capital Mexico City since that date. On June 4, some 10,000 teachers took part in marches, resulting in significant traffic congestion. These protests continued on June 5, when demonstrators blocked access to Mexico’s stock exchange building (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores; BMV). Further such disruptions are to be anticipated in Mexico City in the coming days, as well as in the above states.

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 areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the potential for violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.