26 Mar 2018 | 07:25 AM UTC
Mexico: Nationwide teacher strikes in April and May
National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) plans nationwide strikes in April and May; associated marches likely
Event
The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) teacher union is planning a 48-hour nationwide strike April 9-10 as well as a 72-hour strike from April 30 through May 2. Associated marches are likely during the strike in Mexico City, as well as in the southern states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. School closures along with heightened security measures and transportation disruptions near protests are possible.
Context
Teachers have held numerous strikes and protests 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) and involved deadly protests and blockades, which led to consumer shortages.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and strictly avoid all protests due to potential violence, notably in the south.
