Mexican Teachers Union Seizes Gas Stations and Toll Booths

The National Coordinator of Education Workers, known as the CNTE, seized gas stations in Chiapas and toll booths in Baja California this week [1, 2].

These actions represent an escalation in the union's efforts to pressure the federal government into direct negotiations. By disrupting critical infrastructure and providing free fuel to drivers, the union aims to force a response to their demands regarding labor laws and social security.

The protesters are demanding the opening of a negotiation table with the president and the repeal of the ISSSTE law [1, 2]. This law governs the social security and services for state workers, a point of long-standing contention for the union.

The disruption extends beyond infrastructure. During the protest, 90 percent of primary schools remained closed ^[1]. This widespread closure underscores the union's ability to paralyze the public education system to gain political leverage.

Spokespeople for the CNTE said they do not know how many gas stations were "liberated" or the total amount of gasoline given away for free ^[2]. Despite the lack of specific numbers, the visual impact of the seizures has drawn national attention.

This movement follows a pattern of escalating strikes. A previous national stoppage lasted 48 hours ^[3]. The union has now threatened a new strike lasting 72 hours if their demands are not met ^[3].

The CNTE continues to maintain that the repeal of the ISSSTE law is non-negotiable. Their strategy involves combining civil disobedience with the disruption of essential services to ensure the administration cannot ignore their grievances [1, 2].