27 Aug 2018 | 03:33 AM UTC
Mexico: Teachers to march in Oaxaca August 27
Members of the CNTE teacher union plan to march in the city of Oaxaca August 27; significant traffic disruptions expected
Event
The powerful CNTE teacher union (Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación) is planning to hold a protest in the city of Oaxaca on Monday, August 27. Union leaders are calling for all 58,000 members to participate in the demonstration. Protesters are expected to gather at the Fountain of the 8 Regions starting at 16:00 (local time) before marching to the Zocalo. Heightened security measures and significant traffic disruptions are expected near the protest.
Context
The CNTE is protesting an increase in public transportation fees. 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 Oaxaca are advised to strictly avoid all protests due to the potential for violence.
