Teachers from the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) marched through the streets of Pachuca, Hidalgo, demanding a 100% salary increase [1].

The protest highlights a deepening divide between Mexico's largest teacher union and the federal government over labor conditions and social security. As the CNTE pushes for drastic wage hikes, the government has maintained a significantly lower offer, signaling a potential for prolonged labor unrest.

Marching under heavy rain, the educators focused their demands on two primary issues: a total salary increase of 100% [1], and the rejection of the ISSSTE 2100 reform [4]. The protesters said the current reform of the ISSSTE social security system is unjust [1].

This movement follows a pattern of escalating tension between the union and state authorities. While the CNTE demands a doubling of their pay, the government announced a salary increase of only nine% [2] for teachers. This gap of more than 90 percentage points has fueled the current wave of demonstrations across various states.

Earlier this year, the CNTE held its National Representative Assembly on May 16 [3]. During that period, the union criticized the nine% increase and warned of further protests. Some union members said demonstrations could extend to high-profile events, including the 2026 World Cup [3].

The Pachuca march serves as a continuation of these threats. The teachers said the offered nine% increment [2] does not meet the economic needs of the magisterium, particularly when coupled with the contested changes to the ISSSTE 2100 system [4].

Despite the rain and the disparity in financial offers, the CNTE continues to mobilize its members to pressure the administration into renegotiating the terms of the teachers' contracts and social benefits.

“Teachers from the CNTE marched through the streets of Pachuca demanding a 100% salary increase.”

The stark contrast between the CNTE's demand for a 100% raise and the government's 9% offer indicates a breakdown in collective bargaining. By linking their grievances to the ISSSTE 2100 reform and threatening disruptions during the 2026 World Cup, the union is attempting to leverage international visibility to force a more favorable economic agreement from the Mexican state.